What Is Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park?
This was the nation’s first national military park, preserving the Civil War battlefields of Chickamauga and Chattanooga!
What Makes It Historical?
In 1863, Chattanooga, TN was a key hub for four major railroads, which lay in the hands of the Confederacy! Under orders from President Lincoln, General William Rosecrans attacked Chattanooga from the south, surprising and driving out Confederate troops under General Braxton Bragg!
However, while the Confederates were down, they were not out, and they surprised the Union in a 3-day battle across Georgia lines at Chickamauga! On September 18th, it looked like the Union had the advantage, then on September 19th, both sides fought and fortified with no clear advantage. It was on September 20, 1863 that the tide took a surprise turn! A miscommunication caused General Rosecrans to move two of his divisions together, opening a fatal gap in the Union ranks, which the Confederates exploited right away!
Despite a heroic effort by Colonel John Wilder’s “Lightning Brigade,” and a fierce defense of Horseshoe Ridge under General George Thomas, the Confederates ultimately drove them off the battlefield and back to Chattanooga! Thus began a month-long siege to starve the Union troops out of town. That story continues across state lines at Lookout Mountain!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Pay the entrance fee to help maintain trails, signs, structures, and other visitor services!
- Volunteer at Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park!
- Donate to Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park!
- Be a responsible visitor! Remember the old adages: Pack out what you pack in! Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints!
How Do I Get There?
Chickamauga Battlefield:
3370 LaFayette Road
Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit the Park?
The visitor center is open daily from 8:30 AM until 5:00 PM, while the greater park is open from sunrise until sunset!
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