Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park has several weekend events planned to commemorate the 149th anniversary of the Battles for Chattanooga:

Saturday, Nov. 17

· Point Park Guided Walking Tour – 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Explore the Campaign for Chattanooga from the perspective of Union and Confederate troops as they struggled for control of the “Gateway to the Deep South.” This forty-five minute walking tour begins inside the Point Park Entrance Gate.

· Cravens House – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visit the historic Cravens House, situated on the slopes of Lookout Mountain, to learn about Robert Cravens’ family and the “Battle Above the Clouds” that was fought on their property.

· “A Vicious Little Battery:” The Union Artillery on Moccasin Bend during the Siege and Battles for Chattanooga – 9 a.m.

Union artillery, firing from fortifications on the southern-most hills of Stringer’s Ridge on Moccasin Bend, helped keep the Confederates at bay during the Siege of Chattanooga and then assisted in prying the Confederates from Lookout Valley and Lookout Mountain during the Battles for Chattanooga. Join park historian Jim Ogden for a two-hour walking tour to explore some of the earthen fortifications to learn how “a vicious little battery” essentially dominated the looming bulk of Lookout Mountain to the south. The tour begins from the parking area along Moccasin Bend Road just north of the Moccasin Bend Mental Health Institute; look for signage and a park ranger, who will direct you into the parking area.

· “The Tallest Fighting I Was Ever In:” Lookout Mountain – 1 p.m.

On the morning of Nov. 24, 1863, Gen. Joseph Hooker’s Union forces were ordered to make a “demonstration” against Confederate forces defending the slopes of Lookout Mountain. Join park volunteer Ansley Moses on a 90-minute walking tour of the “Battle Above the Clouds.” This tour begins at the Cravens House parking lot.

· Lookout Mountain – “The Nature of Battle” – 1:30 p.m.

Join park ranger Lee White for a two-hour, two-mile hike from Cravens House to the Chattanooga Nature Center and Arboretum and explore some of the interesting historical and nature features that abound on this historic mountain.

· Engaging the Attention of the Enemy: Joseph Hooker’s Demonstration on Lookout Creek – 2 p.m.

While John Geary’s “White Star” Division moved to sweep the western slope of Lookout Mountain, Union Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker directed other troops to move against the main Confederate positions guarding the road bridges over the creek at the mountain’s northwest base. Join park historian Jim Ogden for a two-hour, two-mile walk through part of the Lookout Mountain Battlefield that later became the perspective and foreground of artist James Walker’s mammoth painting, “The Battle of Lookout Mountain.” The tour begins along Parker Lane off Brown’s Ferry Road, just south of I-24, exit 175 in Lookout Valley/Tiftonia. Look for signage at and on Parker Lane.

Sunday, Nov. 18

· Point Park Guided Walking Tour – 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m.

Explore the Campaign for Chattanooga from the perspective of Union and Confederate troops as they struggled for control of the “Gateway to the Deep South.” This 45-minute walking tour begins inside the Point Park entrance gate.

· Cravens House – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visit the historic Cravens House, situated on the slopes of Lookout Mountain, to learn about Robert Cravens’ family and the “Battle Above the Clouds” fought on their property.

· Brown’s Ferry, Sherman, and Grant’s Plan of Attack – 9:30 a.m.

The Tennessee River pontoon bridge at Brown’s Ferry was a critical link in any chain for final Union success at Chattanooga; the relative strength of that link significantly impacted Union Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant’s November 1863 offensive to fully secure the “Gateway to the Deep South.” Join park historian Jim Ogden for a one-mile, 90-minute, round-trip walk to the river at Brown’s Ferry and learn how events at this vital crossing shaped the Battles for Chattanooga. The tour begins along Moccasin Bend Road just north of Hamm Road; take Manufacturers Rd. west from U.S. 27 and follow the signage.

· “Now the Bravest Men in our Brigade are Gone:” Ringgold Gap – 1:30 p.m.

On the morning of Nov. 27, 1863, Union forces under Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker clashed with the rear guard of the Confederate Army led by Maj. Gen. Patrick Cleburne at Ringgold Gap in a small but vicious engagement. Join park ranger Lee White for a 90-minute driving tour that begins at the Ingles Supermarket at 5044 Alabama Hwy. in Ringgold.

· The Battle of Missionary Ridge at Rossville Gap – 2 p.m.

Having secured the dominating terrain of Lookout Mountain the day before, Maj. Gen. Hooker received this order for Nov. 25, 1863: “…carry the pass at Rossville, and operate upon the enemy’s left and rear.” Participants of this program will learn about Hooker’s successful, but often overlooked, accomplishment in the Battle of Missionary Ridge. Join park historian Jim Ogden for a two-hour, two-mile, round-trip walking tour that explores “Fighting Joe’s” part in the climactic battle of the Chattanooga campaign. Meet at the historic John Ross House in Rossville, off Chickamauga Ave./U.S. 27 behind Bi-Lo.

· The Second Minnesota at Missionary Ridge and the Case of the Shifting Monument – 2:30 p.m.

The Second Minnesota Infantry fought together through the entire Civil War. The men of the Second Minnesota gave their all for the country that had admitted the territory as the 32nd state just three years before the war. Join park ranger Gerry Allen to learn the stories of the men of the Second Minnesota, as well as the controversies that surrounded the monument’s proper location on Missionary Ridge. This one-hour program begins at DeLong Reservation on Missionary Ridge.

· “The Last Full Measure:” Chattanooga National Cemetery – 3 p.m.

While President Abraham Lincoln made “a few appropriate remarks” at the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pa., Union Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant was actively making plans to break the siege of Chattanooga once and for all. A few days later, Grant’s forces gave their “last full measure of devotion” on ground that later became a final resting place for many of those brave soldiers. Meet park ranger Christopher Young for a one-hour program at the Chattanooga National Cemetery. This program begins at the Andrews’ Raiders Monument to the right of the entrance gate on Holtzclaw Ave.

Friday, Nov. 23

· “All Remained Silent Spectators:” The Engagement at Orchard Knob – 1 p.m.

On Nov. 23, 1863, approximately 600 Alabama Confederates faced a vastly superior Union force on a prominent knoll, known as Orchard Knob, between Chattanooga and Missionary Ridge. Meet park ranger Christopher Young inside the Orchard Knob entrance gate and learn more about this often overlooked engagement of the Chattanooga campaign. Parking for this 90-minute program is available at the corner of Ivy St. and Orchard Knob Ave.

Saturday, Nov. 24

· “All Being Ready, We Began to Climb:” Hooker and Geary Assault Lookout Mountain – 10:30 a.m.

On the morning of Nov. 24, 1863, Maj. Gen. Joseph “Fighting Joe” Hooker received orders to “make a demonstration” against Confederate forces defending the slopes of Lookout Mountain. However, Hooker and his division commander, John Geary, had no intention of making a “demonstration.” Meet park ranger Anton Heinlein at the Sunset Rock parking lot for a two-hour, two-mile hiking program and follow in the footsteps of Union forces that assaulted the “Gibraltar of Chattanooga” on a chilly, drizzly and foggy November day in 1863. The hiking program concludes at Cravens House.

· “The Enthusiasm It Created Ran Through the Lines Like an Electric Thrill.” - Jefferson Davis Pursues the Confederates – 12:30 p.m.

On Nov. 26, 1863, the Confederate army was in full retreat. Join Park Volunteer Preston Brown and learn what transpired in some of the rear-guard actions as Jefferson C. Davis’ division pursued the Confederates that had abandoned the northern end of Missionary Ridge. This ninety minute driving tour begins at the Taco Bell parking lot located at 6210 Lee Highway in Chattanooga.

· Over the River and Through the Woods to Missionary Ridge: Sherman and Grant’s Main Effort at Chattanooga – 2 p.m.

“Attack the Confederate right flank northeast of Chattanooga and drive the rebel army southward and into north Georgia.” That was the mission assigned to Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman by the overall Union commander, Ulysses S. Grant. Intended to be Grant’s main strike at the Southerners arrayed outside of Chattanooga, Sherman, however, had a number of obstacles before him, most notably a rain-swollen river and a significant wooded ridge. Join park historian Jim Ogden for a two-hour car caravan tour that will examine the Tennessee River in the area of Sherman’s crossing, progress up onto Missionary Ridge similarly to Sherman’s advance, and discuss the Confederate reaction. Meet at the Tennessee Riverpark’s “RiverPoint” trailhead on Lost Mound Dr. on Amnicola Hwy. just downstream/west of the C.B. Robinson Bridge and just east of the Police Services Center and the Amnicola Bridge over S. Chickamauga Creek.

Sunday, Nov. 25

· “We All Felt His Spirit of Determination…Enough to Die:” Bate’s Division at Missionary Ridge - 11:30 a.m.

As the Confederate line broke in the center on the late afternoon of Nov. 25, 1863, William B. Bate’s Division was ordered to stand and fight. Join park volunteer Preston Brown and discover how this action brought order in the ranks of the Army of Tennessee as they retreated from Missionary Ridge. This one-hour program begins at Bragg Reservation on Missionary Ridge.

· “The Most Unbounded Enthusiasm” – Col. Charles G. Harker’s Brigade at Missionary Ridge” – 1 p.m.

One of the several brigades in the Army of the Cumberland to assault Missionary Ridge on the afternoon of Nov. 25, 1863 was led by 27-year-old Col. Charles G. Harker. Upon reaching the summit, Harker’s men captured the guns of Capt. Robert Cobb’s Kentucky battery. Join park ranger Anton Heinlein for a one-hour program at Bragg Reservation to learn about the daring exploits of Harker’s brigade on that historic afternoon.

· Cleburne and Stevenson Defeat Sherman at Tunnel Hill – 2 p.m.

Join park historian Jim Ogden and Lt. Col. (Ret.) Gerald Hodge for a two-hour walking tour of the Tunnel Hill/Sherman Reservation area of the Missionary Ridge Battlefield looking at the Nov. 25, 1863 ill-fated attacks by Union Gen. William T. Sherman on the carefully-positioned and entrenched Confederates of Maj. Gens. Patrick R. Cleburne’s and Carter L. Stevenson’s divisions. This program begins at Sherman Reservation on Lightfoot Mill Road, just off of Crest Road on Missionary Ridge.

· “Like Blue Clouds By Tens of Thousands:” The Army of the Cumberland Assaults Missionary Ridge – 2:30 p.m.

On the afternoon of Nov. 25, 1863, as Union attacks against the Confederate left and right stalled, the Army of the Cumberland was instructed “to carry the line of intrenchments at the base of the Ridge, and then halt.” Join park ranger Anton Heinlein for a 90-minute guided walking tour along the top of Missionary Ridge to learn about the Army of the Cumberland’s “Miracle at Missionary Ridge.” This tour begins at the Bragg Reservation and concludes at the Ohio Reservation.

Living history talks and demonstrations — Nov. 17-18

· “Without Producing the Slightest Result:” Artillery Demonstrations

· Saturday, 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4 p.m.

· Sunday, 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m.

Living historians portraying Confederate artillerymen will teach visitors about the various attempts and difficulties artillerists faced during the siege of Chattanooga, as well as the Battle of Lookout Mountain. Artillery demonstrations will be conducted in historic Point Park, a unit of Lookout Mountain Battlefield.

· Confederate Infantry Demonstrations

· Saturday and Sunday, 10:45 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1:45 p.m., 3:15 p.m.

The 37th Tennessee Regiment will conduct Living History infantry talks and demonstrations in historic Point Park, a unit of Lookout Mountain Battlefield.

All programs take place outdoors. Visitors are strongly encouraged to wear supportive, comfortable footwear, dress appropriately for the weather and bring a bottle of water.

All programs are subject to change based upon staff needs or inclement weather. Please check the visitor center information desk for additional information.

Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park was established in 1890 by the veterans that fought there 149 years ago. The purpose of its establishment as stated in the enabling legislation is: “To preserve for historical and military study the sites of some of the most remarkable maneuvers and most brilliant fighting of the Civil War.”