Fort Oglethorpe in Catoosa County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Bloody First Day Ends
Fighting in the Chickamauga Woods continued into the night
Throughout the day on September 19, 1863, men were thrown into the fighting as soon as they arrived on the field. Neither side could control the battle which expanded in a southerly direction (behind you) as the day wore on. In the thick woods soldiers fought hand to hand and sometimes became confused and fired on their friends. Casualties were heavy.
At sunset Gen. Braxton Bragg, Confederate commander, tried one more assault on the Union line. He ordered Cleburne´s and Cheatham´s Divisions to attack near this point. In the growing darkness, the battle raged to your left and right along the Brotherton Road. Both sides became confused and fired at any rifle musket flashes they saw.
Brig. Gen. Preston Smith, a Confederate brigade commander, got lost in the dark woods and stumbled into an enemy position. He was killed by a point blank Union volley about 220 yards southeast of here (behind you).
(captions)
(center) Confederate infantry in the Chickamauga woods. Drawing by wartime artist A.R. Waud.
(top right) Gen. Braxton Bragg controversial commander of the Confederate Army of Tennessee, hoped to prevent the Union army from reaching the fortified city of Chattanooga by blocking the LaFayette Road.
Confederate Brig. Gen. Preston Smith of Cheatham's Division was killed not far from here on the night of the first day of battle. Confused by the darkness, Smith discovered too late that he had ridden between the opposing lines.
(bottom right)On the night of September 19, Confederate divisions under Generals Cleburne and Cheatham attacked the Union line near this point, but made no decisive gain.
Erected by Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is September 19, 1863.
Location. 34° 55.406′ N, 85° 14.629′ W. Marker is in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, in Catoosa County. Marker is at the intersection of Brotherton Road and Alexander Bridge Road, on the right when traveling east on Brotherton Road. Located in the Chickamauga National Military Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ringgold GA 30736, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Battery A, 1st Ohio Light Artillery (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Battery A, 1st Ohio Light Artillery (within shouting distance of this marker); Willich's Brigade. (within shouting distance of this marker); 32nd Indiana Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker); Huggins' Tennessee Battery (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); 49th Ohio Infantry (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Huggin's Tennessee Battery (about 400 feet away); Johnson's Division (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Oglethorpe.
Also see . . . Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park. National Park Service (Submitted on August 20, 2015.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 19, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 428 times since then and 4 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 19, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.