Defense of Snodgrass Hill

After the Union right collapsed on the afternoon of September 20, Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas rallied the Federals he could find and positioned them on this ridge. Determined stands by isolated Union units delayed the Confederates long enough for Thomas to throw up log breastworks and solidify his line. Confederate attacks began on Snodgrass Hill and the adjacent ridge about 1:00 p.m. and repeatedly struck the Union line, but were driven back with heavy losses. About 3:00 p.m., the Confederates captured a section of the ridge about 200 yards in front of this position, but the timely arrival of Steedman's Division on Horseshoe Ridge drove them back. That evening Thomas safely withdrew his men. Although the victorious Confederates held the field of battle, they failed to pursue the Federals, and Thomas' successful defense protected the retreating Union army from annihilation and prevented the Confederates from taking Chattanooga.

Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia · United States