Lookout Mountain Battlefield

Lookout Mountain Battlefield is the site where General Ulysses S. Grant led the Union Army to victory over the Confederate forces of General Braxton Bragg in what some know as the “Battle in the Clouds”. This battle formed part of the campaign to control nearby Chattanooga, considered to be the gateway to the South.

Lookout Mountain Battlefield history

The Lookout Mountain Battle followed the Battle of Chickamauga, which the Confederates had won and this latest victory was essential to secure Union control of the South. Lookout Mountain Battlefield forms part of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, which is brimming with monuments as well historical trails and markers. It also has excellent views of the surrounding area.

The Battles for Chattanooga changed the outcome of the Civil War. On November 27, following the decisive victories at Chattanooga, General Ulysses S. Grant immediately instituted the Chattanooga-Ringgold campaign and followed the day of National Thanksgiving and Prayer with his announcement to the Washington war office that the route of the Confederates was almost complete. So disastrous were the battles of Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge and Orchard Knob that on November 29, General Braxton Bragg asked to be relieved of his duties and was promptly replaced by Lieutenant General W.J. Hardee. It was the beginning of the end for the South. The next spring, Sherman used Chattanooga for his base as he started his march to Atlanta and the sea.

Lookout Mountain Battlefield today

The famous James Walker’s painting, “Battle of Lookout Mountain” is displayed along with other exhibits at the Lookout Mountain Battlefield Visitor Centre.

Crisscrossing Lookout Mountain are more than thirty miles worth of trails that allow hikers to explore much of the park. Many of these trails are old railroad beds from the late 19th century, and others were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The Lookout Mountain trails are popular with hikers throughout the Chattanooga region, and are maintained by the park staff and volunteers.

Getting to Lookout Mountain Battlefield

If driving, from Exit 178, turn left onto Broad Street. Broad Street will become U.S. Highway 41 (Cummings Highway). Turn left onto TN Highway 148. Continue on TN Highway 148 to the top of Lookout Mountain. At the top, turn right onto East Brow Road. The Lookout Mountain Battlefield Visitor Center is located at the end of East Brow Road, across the street from the Point Park Entrance Gate