Chattanooga, Tn

1860s, Lookout MNT, TN.
Credit: http://www.encore-editions.com

Present day Lookout MNT, TN.
Credit:randyyork.net

 “Tennessee lay like a protective blanket over the Deep South. Any invasion of Georgia, Alabama or Mississippi certainly would have to come through Tennessee” (Civil War Traveler). I did not originally plan to go to Tennessee but after doing some research I realized that was not possible. So many battles were fought in this state that it would have been irresponsible for me not to come here on my Civil War march.

  

Battle at Chattanooga, TN. Credit: http://lifeofthecivilwar.blogspot.com/2010_11_01_archive.html

Tennessee Civil War Trails Map [ 660K]

  

On the border of Georgia and the Tennessee River, Chattanooga was a prize for both sides. The Union needed it to start their invasion on Georgia, while it held all the major railroad routes to reach the rebel camps. Once again I found a Combo of museum and battlefield again. The appeal to this particular battle is all in the name: “The Battle Above the Clouds.” Tennessee is extremely hilly and filled with many valleys and rivers. After the Union took control of Chattanooga, the Confederate army set up in the heights above the city, now called Lookout Mountain, in a thought to be impregnable position. (Civil War Traveler). On November 24, 1863 the ordinary ‘fog of war’ was paired with a heavy mist that hung about Lookout Mountain all day, thus earning the battle name. The museum is located on Lookout Mountain and contains a three-dimensional electronic battle map presentation of Chattanooga’s Civil War history. We will be staying Garden Walk Inn.
  As I stated Tennessee is a place filled with Civil War history, tons of Civil War Activity occurred in this state. Presently though when I think of Tennessee I think of it as the country music capital of the world. It will be a great place to consider the public and see if the Civil War is still affecting them, or have they become completely encompassed by their newer reputation.