Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park invites the public to attend special programs commemorating the anniversary of the Battle of Chickamauga from Thursday, Sept. 17 through Sunday, Sept. 20. A variety of activities, including evening programs, walks, talks and tours will take place throughout the extended weekend. This year events will take place at the same time they took place 146 years ago, during the Battle of Chickamauga. Living history demonstrations include cavalry, medical, infantry and artillery. The Infantry and Artillery programs will describe the action at the Kelly Crossroads from both the Union and Confederate perspective. Demonstrations will take place along Battleline Road at the south end of Kelly Field. Both the infantry and artillery camps will be open throughout the weekend and visitors are encouraged to learn what life was like for the Civil War soldier and artilleryman.

The action at Elisha Kelly’s farm became the scene of the most sustained fighting of the Battle of Chickamauga, particularly on the final day of the battle. The Union left curved around the eastern part of the farm and was attacked repeatedly by Confederates. When the Union right collapsed and a stand was made at Snodgrass Hill, the forces engaged around Kelly continued their own bloody fight, largely unaware of what happening elsewhere. Fighting finally ceased upon the order for the Union to begin a general withdrawal, marking an entire day of continuous bloody fighting.

For more information about this event and the expanding number of programs at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park visitors may 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.