Lookout Mountain in Hamilton County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Chattanooga and Missionary Ridge
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 18, 2012
1. Chattanooga and Missionary Ridge Marker
to the northeast
In 1863, Chattanooga was a major railroad hub with a population of 2,500. In late November the city was in Union hands, while Confederate forces occupied Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge. Both sides struggled for control, for if the Federals cemented their grip on Chattanooga, they would have a perfect staging area for an invasion of the deep South.
By late November 1863, General Grant had transformed Chattanooga into a Federal stronghold bounded by earthworks. Union forces were now ready to take the offensive.
On November 23, Grant's troops captured Orchard Knob, a hill about midway between the Union fortifications in the city and the Confederate lines on Missionary Ridge. On the following two days, the Federals pushed the Confederates from Lookout Mountain and won a decisive victory on Missionary Ridge.
Erected by Chickamauga-Chattanooga National Military Park.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #18 Ulysses S. Grant series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1863.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Battle Above the Clouds (here, next to this marker); Battle of Missionary Ridge (here, next to this marker); Tennessee River and Moccasin Bend (a few steps from this marker); 29th Pennsylvania Infantry (a few steps from this marker); Lookout Valley and Browns Ferry (a few steps from this marker); Cobham's Brigade (a few steps from this marker); Point Hotel (a few steps from this marker); 111th Pennsylvania Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lookout Mountain.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 18, 2012
2. Chattanooga and Missionary Ridge Marker
Close-up view of the text on the historic marker.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 18, 2012
3. Chattanooga and Missionary Ridge Marker
Close-up view of the landscape photo displayed on the historic marker.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 18, 2012
4. Chattanooga and Missionary Ridge Marker
Close-up view of the photograph displayed on the marker. The caption reads, "Tents of the Union army are visible throughout Chattanooga in this photo taken in 1864 after the Confederate siege was broken. The large mountain in the background on the left is Lookout Mountain where you are now standing."
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 18, 2012
5. Chattanooga and Missionary Ridge Marker
View of the historic marker affixed to the retaining wall surrounding the museum observation deck, with a distant view of the Tennessee River and downtown Chattanooga in the background.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 18, 2012
6. Chattanooga and Missionary Ridge Marker
View looking west of the historic marker (near marker on right) on the Ochs Museum observation deck.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 31, 2012, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 820 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 31, 2012, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.
