Battle of Lookout Mountain

Other Names: Above the Clouds

Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee

Campaign: Chattanooga–Ringgold campaign

Date: November 24, 1863

Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker [US]; Maj. Gen. Carter L. Stevenson [CS]

Forces Engaged: ~12,000[US]; 8,726[CS]

Casualties and losses: 671 [US]; ~200 [CS]

Result(s): Union victory

Brief Description:

General Grant orders Major General Joseph Hooker to make a demonstration attack against the Confederate forces on Lookout Mountain, under command of General Braxton Bragg. Hooker sends Brigadier General John W. Geary on a full attack against the mountain, which succeeds despite heavy fog that shrouds the battlefield. Bragg considers retreating from Chattanooga, but Major General John C. Breckinridge convinces him to stay and fight at the strong position on Missionary Ridge. Stevenson deployed Walthall's brigade of 1,500 Mississippians as pickets near the base of the mountain, withholding enough for a reserve for Moore's brigade, which would defend the main line on the bench near the Cravens house. After receiving assurances from Sherman that he could proceed with three divisions, Grant decided to revive the previously rejected plan for an attack on Lookout Mountain and reassigned Osterhaus to Hooker's command.