Second Battle of Chattanooga facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Second Battle of Chattanooga
Part of the American Civil War
Date August 21, 1863 (1863-08-21) Location Chattanooga, Tennessee Result Union victory
Belligerents
United States (Union)	CSA (Confederacy)
Commanders and leaders
John T. Wilder	D.H. Hill
Units involved
Wilder's "Lightning" Brigade	Hill's Corps
Casualties and losses
?	?

The Second Battle of Chattanooga was an important fight during the American Civil War. It started on August 21, 1863. This battle was the first part of a bigger plan called the Chickamauga Campaign. Later, in November 1863, there were even larger and more famous battles for Chattanooga. People often call those later fights the Battle of Chattanooga.

Why Was Chattanooga Important?

In 1863, the city of Chattanooga, Tennessee was very important. It was a key railroad hub. This meant many train lines met there. Controlling Chattanooga would give either side a big advantage. It would help them move soldiers and supplies.

On August 16, 1863, a Union general named William S. Rosecrans began a plan. He was the leader of the Army of the Cumberland. His goal was to capture Chattanooga.

Union's Clever Plan

General Rosecrans used a smart trick. He sent a group of soldiers led by Colonel John T. Wilder to the northeast of Chattanooga. These soldiers were part of the Union's 4th Division. They marched where the Confederate army could easily see them.

This made the Confederate general, Braxton Bragg, think. He believed the Union army would attack Chattanooga from that direction. This was exactly what Rosecrans wanted him to think.

What Happened During the Battle?

Map showing the battlefield near Chattanooga

On August 21, Colonel Wilder's soldiers reached the Tennessee River. They were right across from Chattanooga. Wilder then ordered his artillery unit to start firing cannons at the town. This unit was the 18th Indiana Light Artillery. It was led by Captain Eli Lilly.

Surprise Attack on the Town

The cannon shells came as a big surprise. Many soldiers and people in Chattanooga were in church. They were observing a day of prayer and fasting. The shelling caused a lot of chaos. Two steamboats docked at the river were sunk. The Confederates in town were very worried and confused.

What Happened After the Battle?

The Union shelling continued off and on for the next two weeks. This kept General Bragg's attention focused on the northeast. Meanwhile, most of General Rosecrans's army was crossing the Tennessee River. They were moving far to the west and south of Chattanooga.

Confederates Leave Chattanooga

On September 8, General Bragg finally learned the truth. He found out that the main Union army was southwest of the city. They were in a strong position. Bragg realized he could not defend Chattanooga from this new threat.

So, he decided to leave Chattanooga. He marched his Army of Tennessee south into Georgia. Bragg's army moved down the LaFayette Road. They set up camp in the city of LaFayette.

Protecting the Battlefield Today

Today, groups like the American Battlefield Trust work to save these historic places. They and their partners have bought and protected land from the Chattanooga battlefield. By late 2021, they had saved about 120 acres (0.49 square kilometers) of this important site. This helps us remember what happened there.