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2010 Commemoration of the 147th Anniversary of the
Battle of Chickamauga
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
TOURS:
Chickamauga Battlefield Tour – 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Join a Park Ranger for a two hour tour of the Chickamauga Battlefield. This program will cover many of the highlights of the
Battle of Chickamauga – the second bloodiest battle of the American Civil War. This driving tour will begin at the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center.
Ambrose Bierce at Chickamauga - 10:00 AM - 2 hours
(Jim Blackwell)
American author Ambrose Bierce fought four years in the Civil War. The carnage at Chickamauga, seared in his memory,
forever haunted him: “When I ask myself what has happened to Ambrose Bierce, the youth who fought at Chickamauga, I am
bound to answer that he is dead.” His idealism, destroyed by the war, was replaced by cynicism, darkness, and irony which
reflected in his writings. Out of these swirling emotions came perhaps his most compelling story – an enthralling five page classic
called simply, “Chickamauga”. Many have referred to it as America’s finest short story.
Come with Park Volunteer Jim Blackwell and explore Ambrose Bierce’s Chickamauga. The two hour program will car-caravan to
Bierce sites throughout the Battlefield. Readings from his Chickamauga related works will be part of the tour. This tour will begin
at the Chickamauga Visitor Center at 10:00 AM. Please wear sturdy shoes and bring a bottle of water.
Johnson’s Division Advances - 12:00 Noon - 1½ hours (Preston Brown)
Join Park Volunteer Preston Brown for a 90 minute walking and driving tour covering battle actions that unfolded during the
afternoon of September 18, 1863, along Reeds Bridge Road and near Jay’s Mill. On September 18, 1863, Brigadier General Bushrod
Johnson’s Division advanced west from Ringgold, Georgia, intending to cross the Chickamauga Creek and strike the Federal Army’s left
flank at Lee and Gordon’s Mill. These plans, however, would be frustrated by the stout Union resistance Johnson’s men encountered.
This tour will begin at the Chickamauga Visitor Center. Please wear sturdy shoes and bring a bottle of water.
“Failure in the Saddle” Forrest and Minty at Jay’s Mill – 1:30 PM - 1 hour (Chris Young)
Near the site of the opening of the Battle of Chickamauga, Park Ranger Chris Young will examine the consequences of
Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest’s failure to screen the Army of Tennessee’s movements on the afternoon of September 18, 1863.
This one hour program begins at the Jay’s Mill site – located at the intersection of Jay’s Mill Road and Brotherton Road.
“Here We Make a Stand” – Alexander’s Bridge: Wilder’s Lightning Brigade - 3:00 PM - 1 hour
(Lee White)
On the afternoon of September 18, 1863, General W.H.T. “Shot Pouch” Walker’s Confederates attempted to take Alexander’s Bridge from
Union Colonel John T. Wilder’s “Lightning Brigade.” Park Ranger Lee White will explore the significance of these actions during a one hour
walking tour beginning at the intersection of Alexander Bridge Road and the Viniard-Alexander Bridge Road. Please wear sturdy shoes
and bring a bottle of water.
“Hemmed in on All Sides” Dodge’s Union Brigade Clashes with Smith’s and Deshler’s Confederate Brigades in the Darkened Woods
of Chickamauga - 4:30 PM - 1½ hours (Anton Heinlein)
Join Park Ranger Anton Heinlein for a 60 to 90 minute walking tour as he focuses on the September 19, 1863, evening action between
Colonel Joseph P. Dodge’s Union Brigade and Brigadier General Preston Smith’s and General James Deshler’s Confederate Brigades. This tour begins
at the Picnic Area located at the intersection of Alexander’s Bridge Road and Brotherton Road. Please wear sturdy shoes and bring a bottle of water.
“A Weird, Ghostly Appearance” – The Night of September 19, 1863 - 6:00 PM - 1½ hours (Chris Lane)
The Battle of Chickamauga was the site of some of the fiercest fighting of the entire Civil War. As a result, events like the night of
September 19, 1863, remained in the minds of many soldiers long after the last shot on Chickamauga was discharged. Join Park Ranger Chris Lane
on a 90 minute walking tour, reliving the sights and sounds of that fateful night. The program will start at the site of the King Monument on
Battleline Road. Please wear sturdy shoes, bring a bottle of water, and a flashlight.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
TOURS:
Chickamauga Battlefield Tour – 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Join a Park Ranger for a two hour tour of the Chickamauga Battlefield. This program will cover many of the highlights
of the Battle of Chickamauga – the second bloodiest battle of the American Civil War. This driving tour will begin at the
Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center.
“The Morning of the 20th” – A Walk Along Battleline Road - 9:00 AM - 1 ½ hours
(Jim Blackwell)
It is dawn, Sunday, September 20, 1863. After much aggressive fighting the previous day, Federal forces have pushed northwest
to a position on higher ground. The Confederate battle plan is to strike the Federal line at dawn, forcing them south by southwest into
the mountains. The Federal plan is to hold at all cost – and they must, or their months-long campaign will be lost. Find out which Cause
prevails along this critical area of the Battlefield. Join Park Volunteer Jim Blackwell for a 90 minute program which will meet and begin
at the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center and then car-caravan to the site. Please wear sturdy shoes and bring a bottle of water.
“Four-Legged Soldiers: Horses and Mules in the Civil War” - 10:30 AM - 2 hours
(Richard Manion)
During the Civil War, losses were measured through human life. But what about the animals that moved these massive armies? During
the Battle of Chickamauga, Lieutenant Van Pelt’s Battery suffered incredible losses - over fifty horses. By the end of the battle, only a
single horse of his original battery survived the two day slaughter. This story and many others will be discussed during this two hour
presentation. Join Historian and Park Volunteer Richard Manion for a two hour driving tour of the Chickamauga Battlefield discussing the
various functions of the mounted service during the battle. This program will begin at the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center. Please
wear sturdy shoes and bring a bottle of water.
“Sins of the Father” - 12:00 Noon - 1 hour
(Lee White)
The fathers of Colonel Peyton Colquitt and General James Deshler were men with radical political views who compelled their sons to
support secession and, ultimately, give their lives for their Father’s Causes. Discover the story behind this piece of the national tragedy
that was our Civil War. Join Park Ranger Lee White for a one hour program that begins at Tour Stop #2 – Battleline Road. Please wear
sturdy shoes and bring a bottle of water.
“Wilder Saves the Union Right” - 1:30 PM - 1½ hours
(Preston Brown)
The clash between Union and Confederate troops on September 19, 1863, at the Viniard Farm would scar the land and result in
hundreds of casualties. Join Park Volunteer Preston Brown for a 90 minute tour as he describes the brutal scene of battle and
explores the action as Colonel John T. Wilder’s Lightning Brigade repels the Confederate juggernaut led by General Evander M. Law
at the “Ditch of Death”. The program will start at Tour Stop #5. Please wear sturdy shoes and bring a bottle of water.
“Driftwood in a Squall” – A.P. Stewart’s Breakthrough - 3:30 PM - 1¾ hours
(Lee White)
On the afternoon of September 19, 1863, General A.P. Stewart’s “Little Giant” Division came close to splitting the Union Army in half
in some of the fiercest fighting of the Battle of Chickamauga. Join Park Ranger Lee White for a 1¾ hour walking tour of the action that took place on
that fateful afternoon. This program will start at the Brock Field. Parking will be on the west side of the Brotherton Road, west of the intersection
of the Brotherton Road and Alexander’s Bridge Road. Please wear sturdy shoes and bring a bottle of water.
“Just Five Minutes to Pray” – Religion on the Battlefield of Chickamauga - 5:00 PM - 1½ hours
(Chris Lane)
During the Civil War, many soldiers found comfort in religion before, during, and after a battle. The soldiers fighting at Chickamauga
were no different. Join Park Ranger Chris Lane for a 90 minute driving and walking tour which will discuss the role of religion on the
battlefields of the Civil War, particularly at Chickamauga. The program will start at the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center.
Please wear sturdy shoes and bring a bottle of water.
“The Secession Crisis” - 6:30 PM - 2 hours
(Lee White)
Join Park Ranger Lee White and Historians Patrick Lewis, Keith Bohannon, and Lindsey Brown in a two hour walking and
driving tour. This tour will discuss the connections between important figures in the Battle of Chickamauga and the events
leading up to the war (also known as the Secession Crisis.) The program will start at the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center.
Please wear sturdy shoes, bring a bottle of water, and a flashlight.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
TOURS:
Chickamauga Battlefield Tour – 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Join a Park Ranger for a two hour tour of the Chickamauga Battlefield. This program will cover many of the highlights
of the Battle of Chickamauga – the second bloodiest battle of the American Civil War. This driving tour will begin at the
Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center.
“The Fallen Leaders of Chickamauga” - 9:30 AM - 1 ½ hours
(Anton Heinlein)
Join Park Ranger Anton Heinlein for a 90 minute driving and walking tour that will visit many of the mortuary pyramids
on the Chickamauga Battlefield. During this tour, Ranger Heinlein will discuss the activities during the battle that lead to
the deaths of five of the Brigade Commanders in the course of the conflict. The program will start at the Chickamauga
Battlefield Visitor Center. Please wear sturdy shoes and bring a bottle of water.
“Unsurpassed Grandeur” Longstreet’s Breakthrough - 11:00 AM - 1¾ hours
(Lee White)
In the late morning hours of September 20, 1863, Lieutenant General James Longstreet’s assaulting Confederates resulted in
1/3 of the Union Army fleeing from the battlefield. Park Ranger Lee White will lead a 1¾ hour, 2 mile walking tour of this
action. The tour will begin at Tour Stop #3 - “Mix-Up in the Union Command.” Please wear sturdy shoes and bring a bottle
of water.
“Conflicted Loyalties” - 12:30 PM - 1½ hours
(Steven Eubanks)
Numerous participants in the Battle of Chickamauga had ties to both North and South through common heritages and
ancestries. For instance, at the Battle of Chickamauga a Virginian will help save the Army of the Cumberland, and
Kentuckians will face Kentuckians during a
key action early on the morning of September 20, 1863. Join Park Ranger Steven Eubanks as he explores ways in which
the Civil War was not always Northerners versus Southerners. Even with these conflicted loyalties, during key actions of
the Battle of Chickamauga on September 19 and 20, 1863, these backgrounds did not matter. This 90 minute car caravan
program will start at the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center. Please wear sturdy shoes and bring a bottle of water.
“General George H. Thomas and the Union Defense of Snodgrass Hill and Horseshoe Ridge” - 2:00 PM - 1½ hours
(Anton Heinlein)
Join Park Ranger Anton Heinlein for a 90 minute walking tour that will discuss the complex Union defenses
that were developed and implemented on the afternoon of September 20, 1863. The tour begins at the Snodgrass
Cabin located next to Tour Stop #8. Please wear sturdy shoes and bring a bottle of water.
“Fleeing the Fight” – Chickamauga Refugees - 3:30 PM - 1 hour
(Chris Young)
The families living along West Chickamauga Creek found themselves in the firing line between two great
struggling armies. Find out what their lives were like prior to the battle and their reactions to the havoc and chaos
on the battlefield. Join Park Ranger Chris Young for a one hour program beginning at the Snodgrass House at Tour
Stop #8. Please wear sturdy shoes and bring a bottle of water.
“Withdrawal of the Union Left” – The Close of the Battle on the Kelly Field Line - 6:00 PM - 1½ hours
(Jim Ogden)
After Longstreet’s breakthrough and while the “Rock of Chickamauga” stood on Snodgrass Hill, the
contending forces arrayed around and opposite Kelly Field, the Union Left continued to battle into the late afternoon.
As sunset approached, the blue brigades on this line received orders to pull out. With Confederates to their front, on
their flanks, and even to their rear, the withdrawal would be tight. The Southerners launched an attack that one of their
colonels would say gave “a complete victory to our arms.” Join Park Historian Jim Ogden for a 90 minute walking tour
exploring the other close of the battle at Chickamauga. The tour begins on Battleline Road, south of Tour Stop #2 at the
6th Indiana Monument. Follow the “Special Program” signs from the Visitor Center. Please wear sturdy shoes, bring a
bottle of water, and a flashlight.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
TOURS:
Chickamauga Battlefield Tour – 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Join a Park Ranger for a two hour tour of the Chickamauga Battlefield. This program will cover
many of the highlights of the Battle of Chickamauga – the second bloodiest battle of the American Civil War.
This driving tour will begin at the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center.
“Rock of Chickamauga: Snodgrass Hill” - 6:30 PM
(Jim Ogden)
The actions along the hills near the
Snodgrass Cabin, during the afternoon and evening hours of September 20, 1863, sealed the
Union Army’s fate. Park Historian Jim Ogden will lead a 90 minute, 2 mile walking tour across the
slopes of Snodgrass Hill. The tour begins at the Snodgrass House – Tour Stop #8. Please wear
sturdy shoes and bring a bottle of water, as well as a flashlight.
SPECIAL CHILDREN’S PROGRAM
The Civil War evokes images of soldiers marching in rank and file, magnificent cavalry
charges and colorful personalities. But in 1863, just like in 2010, much of soldier's
life involves walking long distances, being assigned to dirty, menial work details,
and idle time. What's a soldier to do when he's a hundred miles from home and when
he's not participating in some glorious battle? The common Civil War soldier was
extremely crafty in developing ways to use his idle time. From a simple letter
home to a game of checkers, from trying his hand at being an artist to shopping
at the sutlers, a great amount of the common soldier's efforts was spent on trying
to avoid boredom. Children (ages 8-12) are invited to meet a Park Ranger at the
Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center for a one-hour "mini-camp" on Civil War
soldier recreation. The "mini-camp" will include instruction and an arts & crafts
activity. Chickamauga-Chattanooga NMP will host the "mini-camp" at the following
times:
Saturday, September 18 - 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 19 - 10:00 a.m., 12:00 Noon, 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.
LIVING-HISTORY DEMONSTRATIONS
The Artillery demonstrations will take place at the south end of the McDonald Field.
Parking will be at Tour Stop #1 and in the McDonald Field. Please follow the directions of the parking
volunteers at the site. The Infantry demonstrations will be behind the Visitor Center. To get to the
demonstration site, please exit through the doors to left or right of the Visitor Center Information
Desk through the doors. The Cavalry demonstrations will be behind the Visitor Center. To get to the
demonstration site, please exit through the doors to left or right of the Visitor Center Information
Desk through the doors.
Living historians portraying political speakers will be demonstrating their oratory
in commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of the 1860 presidential election. In addition to the speakers,
members of the 8th Georgia Regiment Band will be providing period music. Programs will be at the Visitor
Center. | 
