Military
15
On the morning of November 25, 1863, Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant's Union army began its attack against Gen. Braxton Bragg's Confederates who occupied Missionary Ridge and the slopes below. After unsuccessful attacks on the northern end of the ridge and the slow march of Hooker's troops from the south, Grant ordered Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas' troops in the center to seize the Confederate rifle-pits at the base of the ridge. The Federals stormed the rifle-pits, forcing Confederates to retreat up the slopes. Then, without orders, the Federals swarmed up the slope in pursuit, swept over the crest, and routed the poorly positioned defenders. The outnumbered Confederates broke and fled down the far slope. Only darkness and the rearguard action of Maj. Gen. Patrick R. Cleburne saved the Confederates from destruction. The Union victory at Missionary Ridge left Chattanooga firmly in Union hands and set the stage for General Sherman's advance against Atlanta in the spring.
Hear stories like this as you drive
ExploreHere reads historical markers out loud as you pass them: over 325,000 stories across the US. No account needed.
4.7 · 800+ ratings · Free
FIND IT
Chattanooga, Tennessee · United States
