In 1863 Chattanooga was a very small town with a population of only
4,000. Notwithstanding the small population, it was the objective of
both the Union and Confederate armies. Its importance was chiefly due to
the railroads that intersected here. There were rail connections to the
Mississippi River at Memphis; to the Ohio River via Nashville and
Louisville; to the Atlantic at Savannah and Charleston via Atlanta, and
to Richmond via Knoxville and Lynchburg. In addition to this,
Chattanooga was located on the Tennessee River. Therefore, with every
transportation facility possible, its possession was of vital
importance. Union troops in possession of Chattanooga, meant a wedge
through the Confederacy, because Chattanooga was the “key” to east
Tennessee and northwest Georgia. Furthermore, it would discourage the
forwarding of supplies and the transportation of troops back and forth
from Richmond to the areas in west Tennessee and Mississippi. The
section of east Tennessee in which Chattanooga is located is one of the
most fertile sections in the entire South for the production of grain.
Not only wheat, corn and hay, but plenty of beef, bacon, horses and
mules. All of these were of vital importance in the support of an army.
In fact, both Governments profited from the resources of this area.
Another reason for Chattanooga’s importance was a political reason. All
of the mountainous region of east Tennessee in which Chattanooga is
located was exceptionally sympathetic with the Union. President Lincoln
and his military advisers regarded the possession of Chattanooga by the
Union army as second only in importance to the capture of Richmond—the
Confederate capital. It was by far the most important city in Tennessee
to place Union forces since it would encourage the Unionist sentiment
and relieve the loyal citizens from Confederate control.
Eventually two major battles were fought for possession of Chattanooga.
First, the battle of Chickamauga on September 19-20, which was a
Confederate victory. Two months later the battle of Chattanooga was
fought. This was a three-day battle. At Orchard Knob, Nov. 23rd; Lookout
Mountain, Nov. 24th; Missionary Ridge, Nov. 25th. This was a very
decisive victory for the Union army.
NOTE: In reading of the battles, please remember that any name used
applies strictly to their commands unless otherwise explained.