Orchard Knob in Chattanooga in Hamilton County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

The Miracle at Missionary Ridge

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, August 5, 2014

1. The Miracle at Missionary Ridge Marker

The display on this historical marker shows the view of the "Turchin Reservation," the "Ohio Reservation," and the "Bragg Reservation" as seen from the top of Orchard Knob.

Inscription. On November 25, 1863, Union Generals Ulysses S. Grant, George Thomas, and Gordon Granger stood atop Orchard Knob, peering into the distance. They witnessed thousands of Union soldiers hurriedly crossing the emptiness between the knob and Missionary Ridge (to your front).

The sounds of battle soon filled the air. Confederate cannon boomed from the ridge, sending their deadly missiles screeching toward the Union soldiers below. After reaching the ridge's base, the men began their ascent. Although ordered to halt, the soldiers continued their climb, yelling "Chickamauga!" as a cry of redemption for their defeat there in September. The blue-clad soldiers eventually reached the summit and scattered the Southern defenders. As the smoke cleared, it became evident the Union army gained a seemingly miraculous victory in order to secure control of Chattanooga.

Erected by Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1792.

Location. 35° 2.398′ N, 85° 16.417′ W. Marker is in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in Hamilton County. It is in Orchard Knob. Marker can be reached from Orchard Knob Avenue north of Ivy Street. This historical marker is

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located in the middle of a residential neighborhood, in the city of Chattanooga, a little less than a mile west of Missionary Ridge. It is situated near the crest of the Orchard Knob Reservation, National Military Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Chattanooga TN 37404, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. New York Monument (a few steps from this marker); 82nd Ohio Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker); 61st Ohio Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker); 73rd Ohio Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker); 55th Ohio Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker); Bridges' Battery, Illinois Light Artillery (within shouting distance of this marker); Field Headquarters of the Union Armies (within shouting distance of this marker); Willich's Brigade (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chattanooga.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, August 5, 2014

2. The Miracle at Missionary Ridge Marker

View of the map showing the field of vision from this location on the top of Orchard Knob to the Ridge, that is displayed on the historical marker.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, August 5, 2014

3. The Miracle at Missionary Ridge Marker

View of the historical marker in the foreground with the view of the Ridge, that is depicted on the historical marker, in the distant background.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, August 5, 2014

4. The Miracle at Missionary Ridge Marker

Distant view of the historical marker on the crest of Orchard Knob, with a more distant view of Missionary Ridge in the background.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 16, 2014, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 535 times since then and 6 times this year. Last updated on February 7, 2022, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 16, 2014, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.