Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park

3370 Lafayette Rd, Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742, USA

Address:	3370 Lafayette Rd, Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742, USA
Phone:	+1 706-866-9241
Site:	nps.gov
Rating:	4.7
Working:	8:30AM–5PM 8:30AM–5PM 8:30AM–5PM 8:30AM–5PM 8:30AM–5PM 8:30AM–5PM 8:30AM–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 7

Steve Markos

I am a travel writer for National Park Planner and I visited both the Chickamauga Battlefield and the Lookout Mountain Battlefield and related sites in Chattanooga in October, 2013. The Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park is the oldest military park in the country, established in 1895, nearly 21 years before the National Park Service was created. The park was created for the purpose of preserving both the Chickamauga Battlefield and the Chattanooga Battlefield for historical and professional military study. The two battlefields are approximately seven miles apart. Chickamauga Battlefield is near Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia and all attractions lie within one park boundary. Sites at the Chattanooga Battlefield, on the other hand, are situated at various locations in the greater Chattanooga, Tennessee area. Park units include Point Park at Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Orchard Knob, the National Cemetery, Signal Hill, and the Moccasin Bend National Archeological District, which lies across the Tennessee River from the Lookout Mountain Battlefield. Today the District serves as a preserve of prehistoric to modern human history, but Moccasin Bend did see action during the battle for Chattanooga. At the time of creation, very little had changed on the battlefields, so what you see today is pretty much the way it was in 1863, the year of the fighting. Most of the 1400 monuments and memorials on the two battlefields were placed during the first few years of the park’s existence. As you tour the battlefields, either by car or on foot, you will find monuments, artillery, tablets, and information panels. Many of these lie far from the roadside stops and can only be seen by hiking or bike riding. Monuments are dedicated to various military units that fought in the battle, though there are a few dedicated to individual soldiers, all of these being placed by the soldier’s family. Monuments dedicated to military units were placed by surviving members of the unit and the state governments. Some monuments are simple markers, others ornate goliaths carved from granite or marble, often with metal sculptures and reliefs as part of the design. The monuments are located where the unit did its most memorable fighting. As you read the inscriptions on them, you are facing the direction in which the soldiers, themselves, were facing during the fighting (the monuments are thus facing away from the fighting). Tablets also line the roads and trails throughout the park. The information on the tablets describes which unit was at the site at a particular time and date. Blue tablets describe Union positions and red tablets describe Confederate positions. Most of this information is of little interest to the average visitor, but remember, the park was created to document the battle for historians and military professionals. After you have read a few of them, you’ll find yourself spending more time looking at the monuments and won’t pay much more attention to the tablets…unless, of course, you are a Civil War fanatic. Visits to the two battlefields can be made independently of each other, but if you want to stick to historical order, fighting began a Chickamauga, where the Confederates defeated the Union army, and then turned north to Chattanooga, where the Union army retreated after Chickamauga. Both battlefields have a Visitor Center where you can ask questions and get park driving and hiking maps. Check out National Park Planner for complete information on both units of the park and nearly 350 photos (npplan).

Derek Rayburn

Our Nations First National Military Park! Rarely do you find such a strong link to something that seems so distant in our past. The Civil War of the United States of America was terrible and it was a great example of what happens when political leaders and those with immense wealth go to extremes to divide a nation over their own petty desires. Just 26 years after the battle that took place at this historic park, the soldiers and leaders of both sides came together for a celebration to bond in brotherhood and share the history so fresh in their hearts and minds. If you have any doubt what the Civil War was fought over, why it started and how it was won, visit this park. There is a vast amount of books and history to be had here that are so close to the actual days of the war, you would be doing yourself a disservice to ever claim any knowledge of the Civil War without visiting this park and learning what is available there to the best of your ability.

Smooth Sailing

I love the fact that you can camp here and tour the battle grounds. This campground is close to the Tennessee Aquarium, its about a 30 minute drive. There is a latrine, tiolet tissue but no running water. There is a spicket at each campground so you should bring your own soap to wash your hands. There isnt a place to take a shower so be mindful of cleanliness. There are racoons that may raid your campsite at night so discard of any trash before nightfall. Clean all items with food residue and store in a container that can lock. I suggest you do the same for the food items you bring. Poison Oak was spotted immediately on the inner tree lines. Be mindful that children dont play with the wrong branches or climb the wrong tree. In all it is an amazing place to be if you love nature.

tommy sluss

This battlefield is one of the most historic fields in the Tennessee-Georgia area. Massive fields, hills, and trees await your adventure throughout a civil war soldiers perspective. If you think you wont be able to visualize what went on 100+ years ago you are mistaken. The cannons, monuments, historic houses, gloomy forests, frequent reenactments provide the perfect sensory situations. Whether you are a child or a senior there is always something to do. Daily biking tours are great for family fun, and you may learn something new too! Camping sites for the strong hearted are also available.(just watch out for green eyes!) You will never be bored by visiting this battlefield, but rather sore feet from the want to explore. Keep Safe and adventure on!

Trevor E

There are two points of this park, and both can be a little hard to find with the GPS, so make sure you check out the map and where the visitor center is before you go! That being said, we toured the lookout mountain section, where Pointe Park is. This is the location of the famous battle above the clouds. We enjoyed the history and the overlook! Comprehending how people climbed up that mountain during gunfire is incredible. As always, if you have children make sure you check out the National Park Systems Junior Ranger Program.

Karen Cloud

I love this park. Walking, hiking, bicycle and horseback riding trails. A great history of the Civil War and battles that took place. Especially the historical significance of battles on the grounds and battles of Chattanooga. Stop at the visitor center first. Excellent firearms museum, free film detailing the battles, nice clean restrooms, gift shop, friendly folks. Guided ranger tours are available at certain times. Dogs are welcome on all trails as long as they are on a leash. Come on out and get your history on!

Michelle King

Great place for a walk or run, amazing and knowledgeable park rangers, and if you dont want to go on a guided tour, you can grab a map for free at the visitors center/museum that is just as good as the real tour and if you have a cell phone it will give you numbers to dial that will give you a full history of the location. The Chickamauga Battlefield is a great place to take your kids bicycling, horseback riding, or kiting. And a great place for your fur babies to run and play!