Tales from Tennessee and Beyond: The Battle of Chattanooga

There were a series of three battles at Chattanooga, Tennessee. The battles were part of the Chattanooga campaign, that lasted from October to November 1863. The commanding generals for each army were Ulysses S. Grant for the Union and Braxton Bragg for the Confederacy. These battles proved to be a gateway for the Union to reach the heart of the Confederacy. Grant was able to reach Chattanooga by breaking the Confederate supply line, known as the "Cracker Line." Bragg reached Chattanooga thanks to his defeat and forced retreat at Stones River. Chattanooga was important to both sides because whoever controlled the city controlled the railroad. The railroad was a link to towns (like Nashville or Atlanta) throughout the Confederacy. When Bragg got to Chattanooga he set up his camp on top of Lookout Mountain. He felt that this was a good position because he could see the entire city and also had access to natural resources such as water. The first major skirmish at Chattanooga was at Orchard Knob. Orchard Knob was a defeat for the Confederacy. The Union set up their headquarters for the rest of the battle at Orchard Knob. Meanwhile William Tecumseh Sherman was trying to cross the Tennessee River, but the pontoon boat that was going to transport them had been destroyed, stranding he and his men in the Lookout Valley. The next skirmish occurred at Lookout Mountain. As was mentioned earlier Braxton Bragg had set up his headquarters on Lookout Mountain. Grant and the Union army felt that if they attacked Lookout Mountain then they could surround Bragg and force him to either retreat or surrender. The first fighting was instigated by Joe Hooker. Hooker was also known as Fight'n Joe. He was known to not listen to others, instead choosing to do his own thing. Lookout Mountain was no different. Hooker ignored Grant's orders and attacked the Confederate forces. Hooker was successful however as he forced part of the Confederate army to retreat. The Battle of Lookout Mountain became known as the "Battle Above the Clouds." The Confederate army was struggling to hold their position. Things would not get any easier for the Confederates at Missionary Ridge. Fight'n Joe Hooker and William T. Sherman were ordered to launch an all out assault on Missionary Ridge. The goal, like at Lookout Mountain, was to force the Confederates to retreat or surrender. Missionary Ridge was another defeat for the Confederate forces. Bragg and his men were forced to retreat to South Chickamauga Creek. Braxton Bragg resigned from the Confederate army just a few months later due to his losses at Chattanooga and at Stones River. The Battle of Chattanooga marked the starting point for Sherman's March to the Sea. Grant was able to prove to Abraham Lincoln that he was indeed the right man to lead the United States Army. The Union now controlled not only Chattanooga but the railroad as well. The Confederacy was up for grabs.