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
9:30 am - Staging Sherman's Force Location: Brown’s Ferry Road Trail Trailhead, 700 Moccasin Bend Road; look for and follow the “Special Program” signs
Ulysses S. Grant had a specific role in mind for those troops of his old Army of the Tennessee that William T. Sherman was bringing to Chattanooga. In fact, Grant’s attack could not and would not be launched until they were in place. In this 2 ½ hour, mile and a half part-walking, part-car caravan tour, National Military Park Historian Jim Ogden will examine the experience of Sherman’s arriving Army of the Tennessee detachment that Grant was counting on to bring him victory at the “Gateway to the Deep South.”
10 am – As Rations are a Little Short in My Mess Location: Meet inside the Point Park Entrance Gate
Ever heard the saying “An army fights on its stomach?” During the Chattanooga Campaign, food was in short order for the Army of Tennessee. Even though the Confederate army was victorious at Chickamauga, once the siege of Chattanooga commenced it did not take long for the memory of that victory to fade. So, what did food have to do with the loss of morale for the Confederate army at Chattanooga?
11 am – The Battle of Orchard Knob - A Walking Tour Inside Point Park Location: Meet inside the Point Park Entrance Gate
On November 23, 1863, US soldiers, besieged in Chattanooga by surrounding Confederates since September, decided to strike back at the gray-clad soldiers occupying the heights around the city. This 30-45-minute program will help put the initial struggle for Chattanooga into perspective.
1 pm – We All Remained Silent Spectators Location: Orchard Knob Reservation, North Orchard Knob Avenue and Ivy Street
The Union army’s success during this brief, yet overwhelming, engagement set the tone for its success over the next days as the army tried to wrestle Chattanooga from the grasp of the besieging Confederates. This 45-minute program will explore the fighting on Orchard Knob that crisp November 23.
2 pm – The Battle of Orchard Knob - A Walking Tour Inside Point Park Location: Meet inside the Point Park Entrance Gate
On November 23, 1863, US soldiers, besieged in Chattanooga by surrounding Confederates since September, decided to strike back at the gray-clad soldiers occupying the heights around the city. This 30-45-minute program will help put the initial struggle for Chattanooga into perspective.
2 pm – There was Considerable Firing Location: 200 Moccasin Bend Road; look for and follow the “Special Program” signs
For troops of both sides positioned in Lookout Valley, the movement of Union troops through and within that valley was clear evidence that the expected battle was just days off, at most. Then, in early afternoon, when the Union artillery on Moccasin Bend opened fire in unison with Union guns protecting the city, it seemed as if the battle had probably begun. National Military Park Historian Jim Ogden in this 2 ½ hour, two-mile hike will take you to the Moccasin Bend gun positions and will relate their important role as the Battles for Chattanooga began on November 23, 1863.
4 pm – The Battle of Orchard Knob - A Walking Tour Inside Point Park Location: Meet inside the Point Park Entrance Gate
On November 23, 1863, US soldiers, besieged in Chattanooga by surrounding Confederates since September, decided to strike back at the gray-clad soldiers occupying the heights around the city. This 30-45-minute program will help put the initial struggle for Chattanooga into perspective.
LIVING HISTORY PROGRAMS
“Thunder on the Mountain” – Artillery Demonstrations Location: Inside Point Park
Program Times: 9:30 am, 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, and 3:30 pm
Artillery made Lookout Mountain important during the siege of Chattanooga. Using the heights to their advantage, Confederate batteries ensured no supplies were able to come into the beleaguered town. Then, they were involved in the defense of the mountain itself on November 24, 1863, in a battle in which the geography that earlier benefited them took a turn, and nature itself seemed to work against the gunners. This 30-minute program will explore the role artillery played in the siege and in the “Battle Above the Clouds”.
