On September 17th, Bragg had ordered his troops to cross the Chickamauga
Creek at Reed’s and Alexander’s bridges. They were to sweep up the creek
toward Crittenden’s position. His objective was to gain possession of
the main road between Rosecrans and Chattanooga. Incidentally, this main
road is known today as Highway U. S. No. 27. The Confederates reached
Chickamauga Creek on Friday afternoon, September 18th. Here they met
with some opposition from the Union troops. After a great deal of
skirmishing, of which some was rather severe, the Confederates effected
a crossing.