Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park: A Civil War Legacy

Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, established in 1890, stands as the nation's first and largest military park, commemorating the fierce battles fought here in 1863. These battles, the Battle of Chickamauga and the Siege of Chattanooga, proved pivotal in the Union's campaign to control the Deep South. The park encompasses multiple key sites. The Chickamauga Battlefield, located in Georgia, was the scene of a major Confederate victory. The park features hundreds of monuments, informative tablets, and trails that narrate the events of the battle. Visitors can explore the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center, which offers museum exhibits, the Fuller Gun Collection, and an orientation film. Lookout Mountain, rising above Chattanooga, was the site of the "Battle Above the Clouds." Point Park, at the mountain's summit, offers panoramic views and commemorates the Union victory. The Lookout Mountain Battlefield Visitor Center displays exhibits and artifacts related to the battle. The park also includes Missionary Ridge, another key battle site, and Moccasin Bend National Archeological District, which reveals a longer history of human habitation in the area. Visitors can explore the park through self-guided driving tours, hiking trails, and ranger-led programs. The park offers a glimpse into the lives of the soldiers who fought here and the impact of the Civil War on the region. Picnicking is permitted in designated areas.