Existing comment:
Agony of the Wounded:
The Snodgrass Cabin served as a field hospital
In 1863, George Snodgrass and his family of nine lived in a log house here. On the second day of the Battle of Chickamauga, Union forces made a desperate stand in the woods and fields surrounding the cabin, forcing the Snodgrass family to take cover in a nearby ravine with other refugees.
Thousands fell as Confederates attacked Union positions on Snodgrass Hill that afternoon. It was some of the war's bloodiest fighting, and the Snodgrass Cabin soon filled with wounded. That evening the Federals evacuated, leaving behind many wounded who could not be moved. For several days injured soldiers from both sides were treated here.
Army doctors found it difficult to cope with the great numbers of casualties and the ghastly wounds. Amputation was the standard treatment for arms or legs smashed by bullets or shells. Anesthetics such as chloroform and ether were in use during this period, but were in short supply at Chickamauga.
Because of its proximity to the heavy fighting on Snodgrass Hill, the Snodgrass cabin was used by both armies as a hospital. The building has been restored by the National Park Service. ... Amputations needed to be performed quickly -- in fifteen minutes or less under battlefield conditions.
Casualties at Chickamauga:
Union, of 58,000 engaged: Killed 1,656, Wounded 9,749, Missing 4,774: Total 16,179
Confederate, of 66,000 engaged: Killed 2,673, Wounded 16,274, Missing 2,003: Total 20,950. |