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Study Group 2009 "Seminar in the Woods" Day 2, Part 2 Hindman Assails Horseshoe Ridge -- March 14, 2009 |
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Study Group 2009 "Seminar in the Woods" Day 2, Part 2 Hindman Assails Horseshoe Ridge -- March 14, 2009 |
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Our group began the last session of this year's Study Group by examining the ground along the northwest side of the park. Here, we view the Dry Valley Road area. We learned that the road has shifted somewhat since the battle as the railroad in the background was given rights to built along (and in places on top of) the wartime road. It was along this road that several Union units retreated after the Confederate breakthrough. Once out of the way, Hindman's division was brought up to this area to extend west the Confederate line attacking Snodgrass Hill. From this place, we turned about to face the rolling hills making up Horseshoe Ridge. |
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Dave started the group up the long climb via a park service road
into the hills making up Horseshoe Ridge. It was over this very ground, rough terrain and all...., that Manigault's
Brigade had to traverse long before they could get into position to see the Union line atop the ridge. It is understandable just how tired Hindman's men must have been at this moment after starting out from the east side of LaFayette Road before noon, fighting their way past Lytle Hill, and then going into position here at Horseshoe Ridge. |
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And below, it is indeed hard to imagine how the six guns of Dent's Battery (Confederate) was hauled up this steep hillside by hand!  |
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Just like Manigault's men, our group finally reached the top of the ridge. Fortunately for us, we are greeted only by the silence of Battery M, 1st Illinois Light Artillery. Manigault's and Dea's brigades were not so lucky - they crested the hilltop only to run into the fresh and recently posted brigades of Champion and Mitchell from Steedman's Division. Following a brief fight, the Confederates fell back a safe distance to regroup and to contemplate the next attack. |
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Our group takes note of this marker to Manigault's Brigade and where it stood on the late afternoon of September 20th - in particular the 10th & 19th South Carolina Regiments Consolidated. We learned that this combined regiment lost its flag during its attack on the 113th & 40th Ohio when three companies of the 96th Illinois hit the South Carolinians in flank. Later however, Bushrod Johnson sent in another attack on Champion's Brigade. Even though they too were thrown back, Johnson's men were successful in recovering the "lost" South Carolina flag! |
Our group gathered together at the end of this final session for last minute questions and comments. |
Below, we took turns shouting out suggestions
for topics that we would like to examine next year. "Bragg's command decisions," "McLemores Cove,"
"Gen. Longstreet," "Battleline Road, " "the federal advance through Bridgeport, Stevenson, Shellmond"...just to name a few.
Jim may need some more paper - looks like we will be having many more seminars....! |
We hope that you have enjoyed these photos and comments. Please join us for next year's
Study Group 2010 which should take place March 12-13, 2010.