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

The Miracle at Missionary Ridge

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.

Location. 35° 2.398′ N, 85° 16.417′ W. Marker is in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in Hamilton County. Marker can be reached from Orchard Knob Avenue north of Ivy Street. Touch for map. This historical marker is located in the middle of a residential neighborhood, in the city of Chattanooga,

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.

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

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.

Categories. • War, US Civil •

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.

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 June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on August 16, 2014, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 336 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 16, 2014, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.