Agony of the Wounded

In 1863 George Snodgrass and his family of nine lived in a log house here that became a field hospital during the Battle of Chickamauga. On the second day of the battle, Union forces made a desperate stand in the surrounding woods and fields, forcing the Snodgrass family to take cover in a nearby ravine with other refugees. That afternoon thousands fell as Confederates attacked Union positions on Snodgrass Hill in some of the war's bloodiest fighting, and the cabin soon filled with wounded. That evening the Federals evacuated, leaving behind many wounded who could not be moved. For several days injured soldiers from both sides were treated here as army doctors struggled with the great numbers of casualties and ghastly wounds. Amputation was the standard treatment for arms or legs smashed by bullets or shells, and although anesthetics such as chloroform and ether were in use during this period, they were in short supply at Chickamauga. Union casualties at Chickamauga, out of 58,000 engaged, were 1,656 killed, 9,749 wounded, 4,774 missing, for a total of 16,179; Confederate casualties, out of 66,000 engaged, were 2,673 killed, 16,274 wounded, 2,003 missing, for a total of 20,950.

Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia · United States