On Saturday, March 7, at 2 pm, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park will present a 30 to 45-minute talk at Moccasin Bend National Archeological District discussing the rise of Dragging Canoe, one of the Cherokee resistance leaders in 1776. Parking for the program will be at the Gateway Site off Hamm Road (10 Hamm Road, Chattanooga, TN 37405). “Special Event” signs will also be posted along Manufacturers and Hamm roads to help guide visitors to event parking.

Tsiyu Gansini, or Dragging Canoe as he was known to English speakers, was the dynamic leader of a faction of the Cherokee who became known as the Chickamauga. Born during the tumultuous cultural clash between English colonists and the Cherokee in the mid-1700s, Dragging Canoe became a respected and feared leader who sought to save his people as the War of Independence erupted in 1776. This talk will explore Dragging Canoe’s rise to prominence.

For more information about upcoming programs at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, please contact the Lookout Mountain Visitor Center at 423-821-7786, the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center at 706-866-9241, or visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/chch.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, in partnership with Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center, is looking for volunteers to help remove exotic invasive plant species along their shared boundary as part of Weed Wrangle 2026.

On Saturday, March 7, at 9 am, join National Park Service and Reflection Riding staff along with other volunteers at Reflection Riding (400 Garden Road, Chattanooga, TN 37419) for a workday on a portion of the Lookout Mountain Battlefield removing Chinese privet, bush honeysuckle, and other invasive plant species at the Kiddie Trail trailhead.

Volunteers are asked to wear clothing appropriate for the weather and outdoor work that they don’t mind getting dirty. Also, volunteers should wear sturdy, close-toed shoes or boots, NO flip-flops. All tools and supplies will be provided, including gloves, but if volunteers want to bring their own pair, they are welcome to do so. Volunteers may want to bring a water bottle and lite snacks.

For more information about programs at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, contact the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center at (706) 866-9241, the Lookout Mountain Battlefield Visitor Center at (423) 821-7786, or visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/chch

For more information about Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center please visit their website at https://reflectionriding.org/ or their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ReflectionRidingANC

Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park will host a special ranger-led one and half hour tour and hike focusing on the capture of the forgotten regiments at Horseshoe Ridge during the Battle of Chickamauga. The program will begin at the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center, followed by a car caravan to the hike's starting point. The hike will cover approximately one mile.

The fight at Horseshoe Ridge is often remembered for the Army of Cumberland's courageous stand, but for Jacob Jones of the 21st Ohio Infantry and several other Federal soldiers, it was a different experience. Jones later recalled, "I witnessed one of the saddest sights of my life… We could not help feeling forsaken."

This hike will primarily follow a gravel path that winds over several hills, with some relatively flat, natural surface sections along the way. We recommend wearing comfortable, supportive footwear, dressing appropriately for the weather, and bringing water. Join us for an opportunity to explore the terrain and gain insights into the events of 1863, especially with the lack of foliage providing clearer views of the ground.

In 1775, North Carolina Superior Court Judge Richard Henderson and others entered into a treaty with Cherokee leaders Oconostata and Attacullaculla, which became known as the Treaty of Sycamore Shoals, the Henderson Purchase, or the Transylvania Purchase. Twenty million acres were sold - important Cherokee hunting grounds in the present-day states of Kentucky and Tennessee. One who stood in opposition to this sale was Tsiyu Gansini (Dragging Canoe), chief of Great Island Town and ironically, the son of Attacullaculla. He made it known that he believed the purchase agreement to be illegal and stated that "You have bought a fair land, but you will find its settlement dark and bloody." As 1775 lead into 1776, this would indeed be the case. 

We hope you will join us for this 45-minute special program as we explore the Treaty of Sycamore Shoals and the lead up to the Cherokee War of 1776. This program will take place inside the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center's theater at 3370 LaFayette Road, Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742.

From November 23 - 25, 1863, US and Confederate soldiers struggled to control the vital transportation hub of Chattanooga, Tennessee. This 30-45-minute program will help put the struggle for Chattanooga into perspective.

From November 23 - 25, 1863, US and Confederate soldiers struggled to control the vital transportation hub of Chattanooga, Tennessee. This 30-45-minute program will help put the struggle for Chattanooga into perspective.

William T. Sherman’s attack on the Confederate right was supposed to be Ulysses S. Grant’s winning strike against the Confederates in front of Chattanooga. Throughout November 25, 1863, Sherman launched repeated assaults. In this ninety-minute mile and a half walk, National Military Park Historian Jim Ogden will relate how Sherman’s attacks did not live up to Grant’s expectations.

On November 25, 1863, the US troops stormed the seemingly impregnable Missionary Ridge, routing the Confederate defenders and securing Chattanooga for the remainder of the war. This 90-minute car-caravan tour of Missionary Ridge will stop at the Iowa and Bragg Reservations, where insights into the November 25, 1863, actions will be shared.

From November 23 - 25, 1863, US and Confederate soldiers struggled to control the vital transportation hub of Chattanooga, Tennessee. This 30-45-minute program will help put the struggle for Chattanooga into perspective.

Just two days before, the Confederate right in front of Chattanooga had been more than a mile further to the south. But, with the initiation of the Federal offensive on November 23, 1863, a new Confederate right had to emerge and some of it didn’t until the Union attacks were underway. In this ninety-minute mile and a half walk, National Military Park Historian Jim Ogden will relate how this very new Confederate right came into existence and how it lay on the land.

From November 23 - 25, 1863, US and Confederate soldiers struggled to control the vital transportation hub of Chattanooga, Tennessee. This 30-45-minute program will help put the struggle for Chattanooga into perspective.

From November 23 - 25, 1863, US and Confederate soldiers struggled to control the vital transportation hub of Chattanooga, Tennessee. This 30-45-minute program will help put the struggle for Chattanooga into perspective.

Union General Joseph Hooker’s demonstration along the lower reaches of Lookout Creek did much to prevent a meaningful response to the northerner’s simultaneous flank attack along the western slopes of the Lookout Mountain. The most significant landmark for many in this usually forgotten part of the “Battle Above the Clouds” was a prominent mostly open and cultivated hill. Join National Military Park Historian Jim Ogden for this 2 ½ hour 2 ½ mile walking tour of this less explored part of the Lookout Mountain Battlefield.

Among the rocky crags of Lookout Mountain, near the home of Robert Cravens, Confederate and Union forces met in a desperate struggle for control of the Lookout Mountain Turnpike, essentially the only way of retreat for Confederates occupying the mountain's summit. This 1-hour program will focus on the struggle around the "white house" on Lookout Mountain.

Meet inside the Point Park Entrance Gate, 110 Point Park Road, Lookout Mountain, TN

From November 23 - 25, 1863, US and Confederate soldiers struggled to control the vital transportation hub of Chattanooga, Tennessee. This 30-45-minute program will help put the struggle for Chattanooga into perspective.

RiverPoint Trailhead on the Tennessee Riverwalk at Lost Mound Drive in the 3800 block of Amnicola Highway, Chattanooga, TN

An amphibious assault across the Tennessee to attack the Confederate right along Missionary Ridge was intended by Ulysses S. Grant to be his main offensive blow at Chattanooga in November, 1863. His most trusted subordinated, William T. Sherman, would lead the attack across the rain swollen river. Join National Military Park Historian Jim Ogden for this two-hour part walking part car caravan tour look at “Uncle Billy’s” efforts to implement his boss’s plan.

Union General Joseph Hooker’s demonstration along the lower reaches of Lookout Creek did much to prevent a meaningful response to the northerner’s simultaneous flank attack along the western slopes of the Lookout Mountain. The most significant landmark for many in this usually forgotten part of the “Battle Above the Clouds” was a prominent mostly open and cultivated hill. Join National Military Park Historian Jim Ogden for this 2 ½ hour 2 ½ mile walking tour of this less explored part of the Lookout Mountain Battlefield.

LIVE ARTILLERY - Program Times: 1:30 pm & 2:30 pm

Artillery made Lookout Mountain important during the siege of Chattanooga. Using the heights to their advantage, Confederate batteries ensured no supplies were able to come into the beleaguered town. Then, they were involved in the defense of the mountain itself on November 24, 1863, in a battle in which the geography that earlier benefited them took a turn, and nature itself seemed to work against the gunners. These 30-minute programs will explore the role artillery played in the siege and in the “Battle Above the Clouds”.

From November 23 - 25, 1863, US and Confederate soldiers struggled to control the vital transportation hub of Chattanooga, Tennessee. This 30-45-minute program will help put the struggle for Chattanooga into perspective.

Meet inside the pedestrian gate located in the southeast corner of the Orchard Knob Reservation. Please park along Ivy Street.

On November 23, 1863, US soldiers, besieged in Chattanooga by surrounding Confederates since September, decided to strike back at the gray-clad troops occupying the heights around the city. The first military demonstration was against the small knoll between Chattanooga and Missionary Ridge, called Orchard Knob. This 1-hour program will provide insight into the first of 3 days of fighting to control Chattanooga.

LIVE INFANTRY PRESENTATIONS - Program Times: 10 am, 1 pm, 3 pm

In the early morning hours of November 25, 1863, Captain John Wilson and five men of the 8th Kentucky Infantry (US) ascending Lookout Mountain by climbing traversing the slopes from Cravens House to Point Lookout. Later, Captain Wilson stated, "Those who have seen the awe-inspiring precipice at the top of the great mountain can realize what a serious undertaking was before us...."

These 30-minute presentations will discuss the results of the Battle of Lookout Mountain and the eventual Union sucess that followed.

The Tennessee River pontoon bridge at Brown’s Ferry was a critical link in any chain for final Union success at Chattanooga; the relative strength of that link significantly impacted Union Major General Ulysses S. Grant’s November, 1863, offensive to fully secure the “Gateway to the Deep South.” Join National Military Park Historian Jim Ogden for a one mile, ninety-minute round trip walk down to the river at Brown’s Ferry and learn how events at this vital crossing at the end of the third week of the eleventh month shaped what became the Battles for Chattanooga days later. The tour will begin along Moccasin Bend Road just north of Hamm Road; take Manufacturers Road west from US 27 and follow the Special Events signs.

“What ! Does the General expect us to fly?” That was the response of some Union soldiers when told early on November 24, 1863, that they would be attacking the Confederates on Lookout Mountain that day. The mountain’s seemingly indomitable height made the idea of such an attack to be almost as impossible as that of human flight. But their commander, Major General Joseph Hooker had taken the measure of his enemy in gray and devised a plan by which to wrest control of the mountain from the Confederates. Reflection Riding today protects ground where key parts of Hooker’s plan unfolded. Join Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park Historian Jim Ogden for a guided 2 ½ mile, 2 ½ hour hike across the Riding to learn about those key parts of the “Battle Above the Clouds,” about the time when the peace and solitude of Reflection Riding was disturbed by fighting that was a part of one of the most important campaigns of the Civil War. This program is offered in partnership with Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park and is part of the National Military Park’s series of programs commemorating the 162nd anniversary of the Battles for Chattanooga. Comfortable, supportive, footwear, clothing appropriate for the weather, and water are recommended for this program. The hiking pace between historical points will be approximately 2 ½ to 3 miles per hour.

No miniature wargaming experience is necessary, and children are welcome to participate with an accompanying adult. To reserve a spot for this event, contact Park Ranger Luke Dixon at luke_dixon@nps.gov. We hope to see you there!

Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park will host an interactive, 3-hour, miniature wargame of the Battles for Chattanooga that will take place at the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center. Up to 10 participants can take command of portions of the Federal and Confederate armies, making decisions and maneuvering military miniatures across a 3-dimensional tabletop battlefield as they seek to overcome some of the challenges faced by commanders during the real battles in November 1863.

Participants will determine the outcome of the battle as they each take on the role of an army, corps, or division commander during the climactic fighting at Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge on November 24 and 25, 1863. Players will work together using easy-to-learn rules to coordinate desperate assaults or spirited defenses to achieve victory. Dice rolls and event cards will help to determine the effects of combat, command and control, and the fog of war. If you would like to view the Battles for Chattanooga from a fresh perspective, or if you are interested in exploring the hobby of historical miniature wargaming, this program is for you!

Meet inside the Point Park Entrance Gate, 110 Point Park Road, Lookout Mountain, TN

From November 23 - 25, 1863, US and Confederate soldiers struggled to control the vital transportation hub of Chattanooga, Tennessee. This 30-45-minute program will help put the struggle for Chattanooga into perspective.

LIVE ARTILLERY - Program Times: 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, & 2:30 pm

Artillery made Lookout Mountain important during the siege of Chattanooga. Using the heights to their advantage, Confederate batteries ensured no supplies were able to come into the beleaguered town. Then, they were involved in the defense of the mountain itself on November 24, 1863, in a battle in which the geography that earlier benefited them took a turn, and nature itself seemed to work against the gunners. These 30-minute programs will explore the role artillery played in the siege and in the “Battle Above the Clouds”.

LIVE INFANTRY PRESENTATIONS - Program Times: 10 am, 1 pm, 2 pm, & 3 pm

In the early morning hours of November 25, 1863, Captain John Wilson and five men of the 8th Kentucky Infantry (US) ascending Lookout Mountain by climbing traversing the slopes from Cravens House to Point Lookout. Later, Captain Wilson stated, "Those who have seen the awe-inspiring precipice at the top of the great mountain can realize what a serious undertaking was before us...."

These 30-minute presentations will discuss the results of the Battle of Lookout Mountain and the eventual Union sucess that followed.

The tour begins from a parking area along Moccasin Bend Road just north of the Moccasin Bend Mental Health Institute; look for the “Special Event” signs and the park ranger who will direct you into the parking area.

Union artillery, firing from fortifications on the southern-most hills of Stringer’s Ridge on Moccasin Bend, helped keep the Confederates at bay during the Siege of Chattanooga and then assisted in prying the Confederates from Lookout Valley and Lookout Mountain during the Battles for Chattanooga. Many of the earthworks that protected those Union cannon survive. Join Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park Historian Jim Ogden for a two-hour walking tour through the complex and learn how “a vicious little battery” could essentially dominate the looming bulk of Lookout Mountain to the south.