Existing comment:
1863: September 19-20:
The Campaign for Chattanooga: The Battle of Chickamauga:
Union Maj. Gen. Rosecrans's army was attacked by Bragg's Army of Tennessee near Chickamauga Creek, where an initial encounter quickly grew into full-scale battle as reinforcements arrived for each side. On September 20, a Confederate charge, led by Lt. Gen. James Longstreet, broke through a gap in the Union line, driving Rosecrans from the field of battle. The destruction of the Union army was averted by Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas, the "Rock of Chickamauga," who managed to hold his position. Chickamauga was a decisive Confederate victory, but Bragg failed to follow it up, allowing the Union army to retreat to Chattanooga. |