The Battles for Chattanooga Museum and Electric Map allows visitors to experience the battles fought over 130 years ago. Hear about and see an accurate depiction of Chattanooga’s famous Battle Above the Clouds, which Ulysses S. Grant later characterizes as a romanticized skirmish and Sherman’s assault on Missionary Ridge before his historic March to the Sea. This fate-sealing attraction is the perfect combination of rich history and wonderful views.
The History of the Battles for Chattanooga
The battles for Chattanooga left a major impact on the outcome of the Civil War. Following the conclusive victories at Chattanooga, on November 27th 1863, General Ulysses S. Grant immediately instituted the Chattanooga – Ringgold campaign. Following the day of National Thanksgiving and Prayer, Grant announced to the Washington war office that the rout of the Confederates was most complete. The battles of Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge and Orchard known were such disasters that on November 29, General Braxton Bragg of the Confederates asked to be relieved of his duties, immediately replaced by Lieutenant General W.J. Hardee. It was the beginning of the end for the South. Next spring, Major General Sherman of the Union forces used Chattanooga for his base as he started his march to Atlanta and the sea.
Lookout Mountain
On November 24, 1963, a thick fog hung over Lookout Mountain all day. Both sides shot blindly but few men were hit. The Confederates withdrew from the location and action that is now known as the “Battle above the Clouds.”
Wauhatchie
By gaining control of Wauhatchie, a junction of the Nashville and Trenton railroads, the Union was able to control its short supply lines and allowed them to quickly resupply the starving troops in Chattanooga.
Missionary Ridge
On November 25, 1863, union troops under General George H. Thomas’ command, charged the confederate rifle pits at the base of Missionary Ridge and without waiting for orders, scaled the heights in one of the great charges of the war.
Orchard Knobb
General Ulysses S. Grant directed the Army of the Cumberland to advance against Missionary Ridge on November 25, 1863, stunning 600 Confederate defenders, who were only able to fire only a single volley before they were overrun. Orchard Knob then became Grant’s and Thomas’ headquarters for the remainder of the battles.
Browns Ferry
Initiated on October 26, 1863, the “Cracker Line Operation” was designed to open the road to Chattanooga from Browns Ferry on the Tennessee River. The morning of October 27th, Union forces silently glided down the Tennessee River and successfully surprised pickets at Browns Ferry, opening up the famous Cracker Line supply route.
The Generals
The American Civil War called for extraordinarily heroic leaders. Robert E. Lee lead the armies of the South from the very beginning, but President Lincoln tried and rejected six generals before he found Ulysses S. Grant. Although the generals all possessed leadership skills and military knowledge, most had no skill at winning battles. Grant stood out with persistence and strength of character though, enabling him to get the job done. He inspired and lead men with excitement and enthusiasm and ultimately saved the Union
- Photography is permitted.
- Gift shop is located on-site.