Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park - Tennessee - Georgia

The Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, established in 1890, is the oldest National Military Park in the United States, dedicated to preserving the historic battlefields of the Civil War’s Battle of Chickamauga and the subsequent events around the Battle of Chattanooga. Located across parts of Georgia and Tennessee, the park spans over 5,000 acres and is a key site for understanding the Western Theater of the Civil War. The Battle of Chickamauga, fought in September 1863, was one of the war’s bloodiest engagements, with Union forces suffering heavy casualties. After this defeat, Union troops regrouped in Chattanooga, leading to the Battle of Chattanooga in November 1863, which marked a significant turning point with a decisive Union victory that opened the gateway to the deep South.

Today, the park offers visitors a chance to explore these pivotal battlegrounds through a combination of preserved landscapes, monuments, and visitor centers. The site includes numerous walking trails, observation towers, and informative exhibits that provide insights into the military strategies, personal stories, and broader historical context of the battles. Among the most notable landmarks within the park are the Chickamauga Battlefield, the Lookout Mountain, and Missionary Ridge, all of which offer sweeping views of the area and stand as reminders of the fierce struggles that took place there. As a National Park, it serves not only as a place for reflection and education but also as a tribute to the soldiers who fought and died in these defining moments of American history.