Wilder Brigade Monument

Wilder's Lightning Brigade Mounted Infantry, part of the 4th Division under Reynolds in the 14th Corps under Thomas and commanded by Colonel John T. Wilder, crossed the Cumberlands with the army's general advance, took part in the diversion above Chattanooga, and shelled the city from Stringer's Ridge on August 18. On September 9 it crossed the Tennessee at Friar's Island, while the 92d Illinois, detached, was the first to enter the city from Lookout Valley, and until September 16 the brigade was engaged with Bragg's cavalry near Ringgold, Tunnel Hill, Leet's Tan Yard, and Lee and Gordon's Mill. On September 18 it defeated Walker's Corps' purpose to cross the Chickamauga at Alexander's Bridge and also assisted Minty's Brigade in resisting Bushrod Johnson's crossing at Reed's Bridge. On the night of September 18 it held the roads east of Viniard's leading to the fords of the Chickamauga. During September 19 it was heavily and successfully engaged at Viniard's, while the 92d Illinois, detached, operated with General Reynolds at Poe's. At noon on September 20 it charged the left of Hindman's Division, driving Manigault's Brigade east of the LaFayette road, then returned to that position, formed facing northwardly, and checked the advance of Hindman's center and left beyond the crests to the west. It later moved on the roads west of Lytle Station by way of Devotti's to Chattanooga Valley, where it joined the cavalry covering the army's general movement to Chattanooga. The monument also records the officers and companies of the 123d Illinois Infantry, 18th Indiana Battery, 72d Indiana Infantry, 98th Illinois Infantry, and 17th Indiana Infantry, together with brigade staff and orderlies.

Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia · United States