Riverfront in Chattanooga in Hamilton County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Ross's Landing
Union Capture of Chattanooga
The Union army's efforts to capture the strategic rail center of Chattanooga met with success here at Ross's Landing. Following a series of dramatic marches and feints, elements of General Rosecrans's army appeared on Stringer's Ridge across the river to your left front on August 23, 1863. Union shells whizzed into the city and the Confederate fortifications on the high ground to your left rear and on the bluffs to your right. The shelling, coordinated with shows of force in Hamilton Valley, was intended to convince Confederate commanders that the Federals intended to cross the Tennessee River north of Chattanooga. In fact, however, they intended to cross the Tennessee River south of Chattanooga and then approach from Sand Mountain and Lookout Mountain well behind the Confederates. By September 7, the Confederates had deciphered the plan and evacuated the city. A Southern newspaper asked, "The enemy attacked with his Knight both our Queen, Atlanta, and our Castle, Chattanooga. Did it require a moment to decided what should be the move?"
On September 9, three Union soldiers rowed across the river at Ross's Landing and seized the ferry. According to a soldier in the 57th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, "A horse ferry-boat, left by the enemy, was used in crossing the river, and before night the colors of the 97th Ohio were planted on a fort near Cameron Hill. The other regiments soon followed and at night our command bivouacked on the green close to the river ... which gave us possession of the long-wished-for stronghold, Chattanooga."
Erected by Tennessee Civil War Trails.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1863.
Location. 35° 3.364′ N, 85° 18.617′ W. Marker is in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in Hamilton County. It is in Riverfront. Marker is on Riverfront Parkway (Tennessee Route 58) east of Chestnut Street, on the right when traveling east. This marker is located in a public park, situated between the "Chattanooga River Market" and the "Tennessee Aquarium," on the crest of a ridge overlooking the Tennessee River, in downtown Chattanooga. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Chattanooga TN 37402, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Trail of Tears (within shouting distance of this marker); Stickball / Seven Sisters (within shouting distance of this marker); 1790 John Ross 1866 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Chattanooga's First Citizens (about 300 feet away); "Cherokee" (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Ross's Landing (about 400 feet away); Headquarters Row (about 700 feet away); Ross's Landing: River Crossing and Port (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chattanooga.
More about this marker. This marker is located in the downtown Chattanooga green space that looks to have been successfully revitalized in order to draw more people into the downtown area. This space is intended for pedestrians and is not easily reached by car. There is a cluster of attractive buildings (the "Tennessee Aquarium," the "Chattanooga River Market," and the "Chattanooga History Center" and this marker is situated in the green space between these buildings.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 10, 2015, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 610 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on June 10, 2015, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. 9. submitted on June 12, 2015, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.