Battle of Ringgold Gap

Other Names: None

Location: Catoosa County, Georgia

Campaign: Chattanooga-Ringgold Campaign (1863)

Date: November 27, 1863

Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker [US]; Maj. Gen. Patrick R. Cleburne [CS]

Forces Engaged: 16,000[US]; 4,200[CS]

Casualties and losses: 912 total (US 432; CS 480)

Result(s): Confederate victory

Brief Description:

Following the Union victory at Missionary Ridge and the Rebel retreat, Yankee troops set out in pursuit. Maj. Gen. Patrick Cleburne's command fell back to Ringgold Gap where the Western & Atlantic Railroad passed through Taylor's Ridge. Maj. Gen. Joseph B. Hooker sent his force forward to seize the ridge, which it failed to do after five hours of heavy fighting. After holding his position for five hours, Cleburne received communications from Bragg around 12:00 p.m. notifying him that the army had made it safely through the gap and he could begin his retreat. Although Hooker was severely criticized for his conduct of the battle by Union Assistant Secretary of War Dana and several of Hooker's men, Grant chose to retain Hooker temporarily.