Existing comment:
Battle of Missionary Ridge:
Without orders, the Federals charged up the mountain
On the morning of November 25, 1863, Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant's Union army began its attack against Gen. Braxton Bragg's Confederates who occupied this ridge and the slopes below. After unsuccessful attacks on the northern end of the ridge, and the slow march of Hooker's troops from the south, Grant ordered Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas' troops in the center to seize the Confederate rifle-pits at the base of the ridge.
The Federals stormed the rifle-pits, forcing Confederates to retreat up the slopes in front of you. Then, without orders, the Federals swarmed up the slope in pursuit, swept over the crest, and routed the poorly positioned defenders. The outnumbered Confederates broke and fled down the slope behind you. Only darkness and the rearguard action of Maj. Gen. Patrick R. Cleburne saved the Confederates from destruction.
The Union victory here at Missionary Ridge left Chattanooga firmly in Union hands, and set the stage for General Sherman's advance against Atlanta in the spring.
Confederate gunners here had trouble aiming their cannon low enough to hit the Federals swarming up the slopes. Also, Confederates defending this position hesitated to fire into their own men who were retreating up the hill in front of the Federals.
Acts of valor inspired the Union troops. Near this location, Lt. Arthur MacArthur, Jr. bore the colors of the 24th Wisconsin Infantry to the crest of Missionary Ridge after three color-bearers had fallen. MacArthur, the father of Gen. Douglas MacArthur, was awarded the Medal of Honor.
The Confederate line on Missionary Ridge extended two miles to your left, and four miles to your right. Gen. Braxton Bragg, the Confederate commander, directed his army from the location where you are now standing. |