Chickamauga Battlefield Self-Guided Tour Introduction

The First Gun at Chickamauga, by Alfred Waud, depicts the clash at Reed's Bridge on September 18.

Library of Congress

Quick Facts

Location:

Chickamauga Battlefield

“As we are united in life, and they united in death, let one monument perpetuate their deeds, and one people, forgetful of all asperities, forever hold in grateful remembrance all the glories of that terrible conflict which made all men free and retained every star on the nation’s flag.” These words, etched onto the Kentucky Monument along Lafayette Road, commemorate the sacrifices made by those men who fought and died here on Chickamauga Battlefield, and pays tribute to what they accomplished. For three days in September 1863, more than 125,000 Union and Confederate soldiers struggled here to determine the future of our nation. Less than thirty years later, they gathered here once again as reunited citizens of the United States of America. In August of 1890, Congress established Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, setting aside this land so that future generations could learn about what took place here. 

There are eight stops along this tour route. Follow the route highlighted in your park brochure, or follow the arrows on the tour route signs around the battlefield.