Near Fort Oglethorpe in Catoosa County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Second Day Begins
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, August 11, 2015
1. The Second Day Begins Marker
attacks on the Union
breastworks here
By the morning of September 20, 1863, General Braxton Bragg had organized his Confederate army into two wings - Longstreet's on the left, and Polk's here on the right. Bragg ordered Polk to attack at dawn. However, the attack was delayed, and the Federals used the first critical hours of daylight to strengthen their log breastworks.
Finally, at 9:30 a.m., Major General John C. Breckinridge's Confederate Division struck the Union breastworks at this point. Other Confederate units joined them as the attacks spread southward along the line of monuments behind you. The pressure of these attacks forced Union commander Major General William Rosecrans to move men from his center to stop the attacks here on his left.
About noon the futile and costly Confederate charges ended, not to be resumed until late afternoon. The Federals stood firm behind their log wall, awaiting the outcome of the fighting still raging south of here.
Erected by Chickamauga-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 20, 1867.
Location. 34° 56.008′ N, 85° 15.326′
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Hardship on the Union Line (a few steps from this marker); 15th United States Infantry (a few steps from this marker); 2nd Tennessee Infantry (a few steps from this marker); 16th United States Infantry (a few steps from this marker); 48th Tennessee Infantry (a few steps from this marker); J. King's Brigade (a few steps from this marker); 18th United States Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker); 10th Wisconsin Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Oglethorpe.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, August 11, 2015
2. The Second Day Begins Marker
Close-up view, that is displayed on the marker, of an illustration, showing the Union infantry positioned behind log breastworks firing deadly volleys into lines of assaulting Confederates.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, August 11, 2015
3. The Second Day Begins Marker
Close-up view, that is displayed on the marker, of a map, showing Polk's Wing of the Confederate army unsuccessfully assaulting the Federal battleline at this point of the battlefield.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, August 11, 2015
4. The Second Day Begins Marker
Close-up view, that is displayed on the marker, of an illustration, showing how after the Battle of Chickamauga, the 14th Corps of the Union Army of the Cumberland adopted the acorn as their corps badge.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, August 11, 2015
5. The Second Day Begins Marker
View of the marker, looking northeast, with a view of several Confederate unit markers seen beyond the trees.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, August 11, 2015
6. The Second Day Begins Marker
View of the marker, looking west, along a park hiking trail.
Photographed By Brandon Fletcher, February 19, 2009
7. The Second Day Begins Marker
Marker (right) in relation to other marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 19, 2015, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 398 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 19, 2015, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. 7. submitted on August 19, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee.
