Living Historians are seen in Kelley Field and in the distance at the Kelley Cabin during the 150th anniversary
In 1863, Union and Confederate forces fought for control of Chattanooga, known as the "Gateway to the Deep South." The Confederates were victorious at nearby Chickamauga in September. However, renewed fighting in Chattanooga that November provided Union troops victory and control of the city. After the fighting, a Confederate soldier ominously wrote, "This...is the death-knell of the Confederacy."
Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park will host an interactive, 3-hour, miniature wargame of the Battle of Chickamauga that will take place at the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center. Up to 10 participants can take command of portions of the Federal and Confederate armies, making decisions and maneuvering military miniatures across a 3-dimensional tabletop battlefield as they seek to overcome some of the challenges faced by commanders during the real battle in September 1863.
On Saturday, January 4, at 2 pm, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park will present a special ranger-led 1-hour, 1-mile, hike exploring the story of Lieutenant Howard M. Burnham’s Battery on September 19, 1863. This program will begin at the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center, then car caravan to the hiking location.
After a thorough investigation by a National Park Service investigator, the cause of the wildfire which ignited within the Lookout Mountain Battlefield was determined to be a natural event. The event began around 5:30 am on December 7 with a large rockslide, likely caused by freeze/thaw action. Large boulders tumbled from the top of Lookout Mountain towards Ochs Highway. The boulders struck many trees and other stationary boulders along the way, creating immense heat and sparks. The boulders also pushed over a large tree which struck a power line that parallels the Hardy Trail. Although the powerline strike could have created sparks, the evidence on scene indicates the rockslide as the probable cause of the fire. No evidence of human activity was found in the steep slope area where the wildfire originated.
On Saturday, December 7, a wildland fire was reported on the eastern slope of Lookout Mountain within the boundaries of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, south of the Incline Railway, near the Hardy Trail. Resources were mobilized immediately, and a Type 1 Helicopter was able to successfully complete several water drops throughout the day. Currently the cause of the fire is undetermined and is still being investigated by a National Park Service fire investigator. The fire is approximately 10 acres and is 100% contained with crews continuing to monitor the fire.
On Saturday, December 21, at 2 pm, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park will present a special 90-minute, less than 1-mile, ranger-led hike exploring the fighting that swirled around the farm of Larkin Poe on September 19 and 20, 1863. This program will begin at the Chickamauga Visitor Center, then car caravan to Poe Field, where the walking tour will begin.