LaFayette in Walker County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Army of Tennessee
Deciding that Bragg was retreating via Ringgold (21 miles NE) and Summerville (18 miles S), Rosecrans divided his army to pursue both columns and to strike at Bragg's flanks. Thomas' 14th Corps moved through Stevens' Gap into McLemore's Cove, west of LaFayette; McCook's 20th Corps toward Summerville; Crittenden's 21st Corps toward Ringgold. By the 12th, when Rosecrans realized his error, his flanks were widely separated, leaving Thomas alone in front of Bragg's whole army. Although a hasty reconcentration was begun, it was not completed until the night of September 17th.
In the meantime, an effort by Bragg to crush Thomas and Crittenden in turn failed for want of strong leadership. This failure forced Bragg to fight Rosecrans' reassembled army near West Chickamauga Creek (15 miles N) on the 19th and 20th. Although Bragg won the Battle of Chickamauga, it required two days of desperate fighting, during which his losses almost nullified his victory.
Erected 1957 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 146-13.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 17, 1721.
Location. 34° 42.52′ N, 85° 16.863′ W. Marker is in LaFayette, Georgia, in Walker County. Marker is on Main Street (State Highway 1 / 136), on the right when traveling north. The marker is located in Joe Stock Memorial Park. A group of markers and monuments are located here. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: La Fayette GA 30728, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Battle of LaFayette (here, next to this marker); Walker County (a few steps from this marker); General LaFayette (a few steps from this marker); Bragg's Headquarters Shell Monument (a few steps from this marker); To Our Confederate Soldiers (a few steps from this marker); John B. Gordon Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Chattooga Academy - John B. Gordon Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Chattooga Academy (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in LaFayette.
Also see . . . Army of Tennessee From Wikipedia. (Submitted on October 31, 2008, by David Tibbs of Resaca, Georgia.)
Credits. This page was last revised on October 22, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 31, 2008, by David Tibbs of Resaca, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,184 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 29, 2015, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. 2, 3. submitted on October 31, 2008, by David Tibbs of Resaca, Georgia. 4. submitted on April 29, 2015, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. 5. submitted on October 31, 2008, by David Tibbs of Resaca, Georgia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.