The Battle of Chickamauga, fought on September 18-20, 1863, was a major engagement in the American Civil War. It took place in Chickamauga Creek, near the city of Chattanooga in Tennessee, and was the second-bloodiest battle in the war, with over 34,000 total casualties. The battle was a victory for the Confederate Army, but it was a costly one, as the Union Army was able to retreat and regroup, ultimately leading to their victory in the war.
The Confederate Army was led by General Braxton Bragg, and the Union Army was led by General William Rosecrans. Both armies were composed of numerous divisions, brigades, and regiments, and the order of battle for the battle was complex and fluid.
On the Confederate side, the Army of Tennessee was divided into two corps: the Corps of Lt. Gen. Leonidas Polk and the Corps of Lt. Gen. William Hardee. The Corps of Polk consisted of four divisions: the Division of Maj. Gen. Benjamin Cheatham, the Division of Maj. Gen. Alexander Stewart, the Division of Maj. Gen. William Bate, and the Division of Maj. Gen. Carter Stevenson. The Corps of Hardee consisted of three divisions: the Division of Maj. Gen. John C. Breckinridge, the Division of Maj. Gen. Patrick Cleburne, and the Division of Maj. Gen. William J. Hardee.
On the Union side, the Army of the Cumberland was also divided into two corps: the XIV Corps, led by Maj. Gen. George Thomas, and the XX Corps, led by Maj. Gen. Alexander McCook. The XIV Corps was made up of four divisions: the Division of Brig. Gen. Thomas J. Wood, the Division of Brig. Gen. John M. Brannan, the Division of Brig. Gen. Thomas J. Palmer, and the Division of Brig. Gen. William H. Lytle. The XX Corps consisted of three divisions: the Division of Brig. Gen. Lovell H. Rousseau, the Division of Brig. Gen. James S. Negley, and the Division of Brig. Gen. Richard W. Johnson.
The battle began on September 18, with the Confederates launching a surprise attack on the Union Army as they were setting up camp. The attack was successful, and the Union Army was driven back. However, the Union Army was able to regroup and launch a counterattack, resulting in heavy fighting throughout the day.
On September 19, the fighting continued, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. The Union Army was able to hold its ground and even make some gains, but the Confederates were ultimately able to push them back and gain the upper hand.
On September 20, the Union Army retreated, and the Confederates claimed victory. However, the Union Army was able to regroup and ultimately emerge victorious in the war.
Overall, the Battle of Chickamauga was a significant and bloody engagement in the American Civil War. It was a victory for the Confederacy, but it came at a high cost, and the Union Army was able to regroup and ultimately emerge victorious in the war.