160TH Anniversary of the Battle of Chickamauga
September 23 – 24TH, 2023
222 Walker County
Industrial Drive
Lafayette, GA 30728
Chickamauga was the first major battle of the war fought in Georgia and involved the second highest number of casualties after the battle of Gettysburg.
Battles 2PM Saturday and Sunday
Open Daily Sat. & Sun. 9AM-5PM
Food and sutlers available and the opportunity to talk to soldiers in their camps to learn more about your history.
Adults: $15
Children (6-17): $5
Children 5 and under: Free
Parking: $5
CALENDAR SCHEDULE
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 20
REGISTRATION OPENS……..12 NOON TO 7 PM
SUTLERS AND REENACTORS
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 21
REGISTRATION OPENS……..9AM TO 9PM
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 22
REGISTRATION OPENS……..9AM TO MIDNIGHT
SCHOOL PROGRAM…………9AM TO 2PM
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 23
REGISTRATION OPENS……..9AM TO NOON
GATES OPEN………………….9AM
REVEILLE………………………TBD
ARMY DRILL TIMES…………..TBD
CAVALRY……………………….10AM
LADIES TEA……………………11AM….ACTIVITY TENT
BATTLE…………………………2PM
MILITARY BALL………………..8PM TO 10PM….ACTIVITY TENT
ALL QUIET……………………..11PM
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 24
GATES OPEN …………………9AM
REVEILLE………………………TBD
CHURCH………………………10AM….ACTIVITY TENT
ARMY DRILL TIMES………….TBD
BATTLE………………………..2PM
More info on the Battle of Chickamauga –
The Battle of Chickamauga holds significant importance in the context of the American Civil War. Here are some key reasons why this battle is considered significant:
- Strategic Significance: The battle was a crucial engagement in the Western Theater of the Civil War. It occurred as part of the larger campaign for control of Chattanooga, a vital transportation hub and gateway to the Deep South. The Confederate victory at Chickamauga allowed them to achieve their immediate objective of forcing the Union forces into a siege at Chattanooga.
- Confederate Success and Bragg’s Redemption: The Confederate Army, led by General Braxton Bragg, achieved a decisive victory at Chickamauga. This triumph served as a redeeming moment for Bragg, who had faced criticism for his leadership during previous campaigns. The Confederate success boosted morale and provided a much-needed boost to the Confederate cause in the West.
- Union Retreat and Reinforcements: The Union Army, under General William Rosecrans, suffered a significant defeat at Chickamauga. The Confederate breakthrough forced the Union forces to retreat to Chattanooga and remain under siege. This setback highlighted the importance of strategic planning and reinforced the need for strong leadership within the Union ranks.
- Prelude to Chattanooga Campaign: The Battle of Chickamauga set the stage for the subsequent Chattanooga Campaign. The Confederate victory at Chickamauga put the Union forces on the defensive, but it also provided General Ulysses S. Grant an opportunity to assume command and orchestrate a counteroffensive to lift the siege on Chattanooga. The Chattanooga Campaign ultimately resulted in a Union victory and opened up a crucial gateway to the South.
- High Casualties and Impact: The Battle of Chickamauga ranks as one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. The intense fighting resulted in a significant number of casualties on both sides, emphasizing the brutal nature of the conflict. The loss of lives and the suffering experienced by soldiers and their families underscored the human toll of the war and its profound impact on the nation.
Overall, the Battle of Chickamauga played a critical role in shaping the course of the Civil War in the Western Theater. It marked a significant Confederate victory, forced the Union into a defensive position, and set the stage for subsequent campaigns that would ultimately decide the fate of Chattanooga and impact the overall trajectory of the war.