Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park will host a special living history program on Saturday, Sept. 21, and on Sunday, Sept. 22 exploring the role of the 96th Illinois during the Battle of Chickamauga.
On Saturday, join park staff and volunteers at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. for 30-minute soldier life programs at the Snodgrass House. At 3:30 p.m., take a walk along Horseshoe Ridge to witness a 30-minute tactical demonstration/program entitled “Not Quite to the Cannon’s Mouth.” On Sunday, at 10:30 a.m., walk along Horseshoe Ridge to experience a 30-minute program entitled “Fall Back and Don’t Run.” These two walking programs begin in the parking lot on top of Horseshoe Ridge.
Special Program signs will be in place to assist visitors to program locations.
Officials said, "The 96th Illinois Infantry was a relatively common regiment in the United States Army of the Cumberland. Although raised in Lake County, Il., in August and September 1862, they had not yet seen combat, but that was all about to change. On the final day of Chickamauga, these blue-clad soldiers were about to be engaged in some of the most desperate and bloody fighting of the battle. We invite you to come hear the story of the men of the 96th Illinois, the role they played at Chickamauga, and the legacy the left behind."
For more information about programs at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, contact the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center at 706-866-9241, the Lookout Mountain Battlefield Visitor Center at 423-821-7786, or visit the park website at www.nps.gov/chch.