Existing comment:
1863: August 16-September 9:
The Campaign for Chattanooga: Occupying the City:
Before crossing the Tennessee River, Union Maj. Gen. Rosecrans divided his army into three columns: one north of Chattanooga, to deceived Confederate Gen. Bragg; and two south, whose approach to the city would be hidden by the mountains. With a firm foothold on the southern bank of the river, Rosecrans moved his southernmost columns across Lookout Mountain to threaten Bragg's rear. Taken by surprise, Bragg was forced to abandon Chattanooga to protect his supply line; he withdrew to LaFayette, Georgia. On September 9, Federals occupied Chattanooga, a major transportation hub; the city never returned to Confederate hands. |