Commemorating the 161st Anniversary of the Battle of Chickamauga with Free Events in Chattanooga

Commemorating the 161st Anniversary of the Battle of Chickamauga in Chattanooga

By Patty Leon, September 9, 2024, 3:20 PM

Hey there, history buffs! If you’re looking for something interesting to do this weekend, have I got news for you! Chattanooga’s Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park is gearing up for a plethora of special programs to mark the 161st anniversary of the Battle of Chickamauga this weekend and next. And the best part? All events are entirely free to the public, making it a perfect outing for families, history enthusiasts, and anyone in between.

The Battle of Chickamauga was no small skirmish. This monumental battle took place on September 18, 19, and 20, in 1863, making it the second deadliest conflict of the Civil War, right after Gettysburg. Imagine that! Around 120,000 soldiers were involved in this colossal confrontation, resulting in a staggering 34,000 casualties. These numbers included both confederate and Union soldiers, according to Interpretative Park Ranger Christopher Young.

Now, I know some of you might be excited about the idea of seeing a battle reenactment, so let’s clear the air. They don’t do battle reenactments here. “Two reasons,” Young explains. “One being safety. We don’t want people firing at one another. This area is considered hallowed grounds, and number two, for memorialization, we don’t want people to pretend like they are dying at a place where it actually happened.” Well said, Mr. Young!

But don’t worry, there’s still plenty to see and do that will make the history come alive for you. The park has organized ranger-guided tours and living history tours starting this weekend, September 14 and 15. Excitingly, these tours vary in timing, so there’s definitely something that will fit your schedule. One special highlight this weekend is the tour guided by a park ranger portraying George Washington Snodgrass at Snodgrass Hill, a key spot in the historic battlefield.

Snodgrass Hill was the scene of a horrific battle which forced the Snodgrass family to flee their home. Imagine walking away from your home, only to come back to such unimaginable devastation. That’s the kind of haunting history you’ll learn on these tours.

And if you’re fascinated by the artillery of the era, don’t miss the re-creation of a Civil War-era cannon. Volunteers and staff dressed as Union soldiers will fire this cannon up the hill from Snodgrass, narrating the grim tale that occurred there. It’s a must-see!

For those of you who love walking tours, there’s something special as well. Park Historian Jim Ogden will be leading an in-depth tour, which can last up to two hours and cover several miles. Perfect if you’re up for a bit of exercise while soaking in some rich history!

But don’t worry if long walks aren’t your thing. There’s also a more relaxed option – the caravan tour. Simply follow a park ranger in your own vehicle at 2 p.m. and get out at three different stops on the battlefield. This means minimal walking while still getting a comprehensive feel of the battlefield.

Mark your calendars because they’ve got more programs lined up on the actual days of the battle’s anniversary – September 18, 19, and 20. Tours at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. will cater to different preferences, with the latter being another caravan tour.

Even the following weekend, on September 21 and 22, a living history group will be at the battlefield portraying the 96th Illinois Infantry near Snodgrass Hill.

Last year, this historic park welcomed over 1 million visitors, and with these anniversary programs, it’s easy to see why it remains a popular destination. There’s also news about future plans for more anniversary tours for battles that took place in November 1863 at Lookout Mountain, Orchard Knob, Missionary Ridge, and Moccasin Bend. Stay tuned!

So, grab your comfy shoes, your love for history, and head to Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park for a weekend of immersive learning and reflection. Trust me, it’s going to be an unforgettable experience.