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The Battle of Chattanooga, printed by L. Prang & Co., shows US Generals Grant, Thomas, and Granger atop Orchard Knob as they watch the assault on Missionary Ridge. The fighting to wrestle Orchard Knob away from the Confederates took place on November 23, 1863.
Library of Congress
11 am – The Broken Bridge That Changed the Plan Location: Brown's Ferry Road Trail, 700 Moccasin Bend Road, Chattanooga, TN 37405
The Union pontoon bridge at Brown’s Ferry was not only a critical part of the “Cracker Line” but, in the third week of November, 1863, it was also necessary for the massing of Union forces, unless it broke. Join National Military Park Historian Jim Ogden for a 1-mile, 90-minute round trip walk down to the Tennessee River at Brown’s Ferry and learn how this “slender reed” shaped the Battles for Chattanooga. The tour will begin along Moccasin Bend Road just north of Hamm Road; take Manufacturers Road west from US 27 and follow the Special Events signs.
2 pm – "Not Without Heavy Loss" - The Battle for Orchard Knob Location: This program begins inside Orchard Knob Reservation. Parking is along Ivy Street, near the intersection of Ivy Street and North Orchard Knob Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37404.
“Orchard Knob and the first line of works were ours, but not without heavy loss...” wrote Captain Joe Patton of the 93rd Ohio following the Union assault. Today, Orchard Knob is often overshadowed by the larger Battles for Chattanooga, but for the soldiers who fought there, it was a place of fierce combat, sacrifice, and uncertainty. Join a park ranger for a special 1-hour talk and short hike as they explore the stories of the men who struggled for this ground and consider why this often-overlooked fight proved significant in the campaign for Chattanooga.
2 pm – "Keep Close Watch Upon Lookout Mountain" - Moccasin Point Batteries on the Eve of the Battles for Chattanooga Location: 200 Moccasin Bend Road, Chattanooga, TN 37405
“I was directed to keep a close watch upon Lookout Mountain and to open upon any of the enemy’s troops which might be moving in the vicinity” were the orders Captain William Naylor of the 10th Indiana Battery received on the morning of November 23, 1863, as the Union army prepared to take the offensive at Chattanooga. Join Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park Historian Jim Ogden for a 2-hour walking tour to Naylor’s positions on Stringer’s Ridge and learn about the contributions of these Indiana and Ohio artillerymen.
