On November 25, 1863, Union Generals Ulysses S. Grant, George Thomas, and Gordon Granger stood atop Orchard Knob and watched thousands of Union soldiers cross the open ground toward Missionary Ridge. As Confederate cannon fired from the ridge, the Union soldiers reached its base and then began climbing. Though ordered to halt, they continued the ascent, shouting "Chickamauga!" as a cry of redemption for their defeat there in September. The soldiers reached the summit, scattered the Confederate defenders, and won a seemingly miraculous victory that secured control of Chattanooga for the Union army.

Photo: Dale K. Benington

Photo: Dale K. Benington

Photo: Dale K. Benington