Catoosa County has rich and abundant Civil War and military history. Discover our past by visiting some of the sites below!

Chickamauga Battlefield

The Chickamauga Battlefield is the oldest and largest military park in the United States, founded in 1890 to commemorate the 1863 Battle of Chickamauga, the second largest engagement of the U.S. Civil War. Here, see the film presentation of the Battle of Chickamauga and view a state-of-the-art fiber optic battle map. Also tour the renowned Fuller Gun Collection -- 346 mint-condition firearms from the Colonial period through World War I (inside the visitor center). Walk or drive Battleline Road, whose many markers commemorate some of the heaviest fighting of the U.S. Civil War. Climb the 85-foot Wilder Brigade Monument for a panoramic view of the battlefield. Back on the ground, take a picture of the park's most-photographed monument: the riderless horse of the 1st Wisconsin. Also check out the 7 mile self-guiding auto tour, monuments, historical tablets, hiking trails and horse trails.

Visitor Center, 3370 Lafayette Road, Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742
Phone (706) 866-9241

Major General Patrick Cleburne

In 2009, the Ringgold Telephone Company and the City of Ringgold hosted a festival to honor the brave actions of Maj. Gen. Patrick Cleburne during the defense of the city of Ringgold during the Civil War. In November of 1863, Cleburne hastily brought together 4,100 Confederate soldiers who had recently suffered a crushing defeat in Chattanooga and successfully defended the mountain pass at Ringgold Gap from the assault of over 20,000 Union soldiers. Revered by both Confederate and Union forces alike, Patrick Cleburne was known for tenacity and ingenuity as well as controversial suggestion to the Confederacy that any slaves willing to help fight in the war should be given their freedom. In his honor, a statue was erected on U.S. 41 Highway just east of downtown Ringgold to commemorate the Battle of Ringgold Gap and the beginning of the Atlanta Campaign.

Old Stone Church Museum

Built in 1849 as a Presbyterian church, the Old Stone Church in Ringgold was used as a hospital for both Confederate and Union Troops wounded in the Battle of Ringgold and as a stable by the Union. Blood stains are still visible on the floor. The famous hymn, "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms," was sung here for the first time. It is now the Catoosa County Old Stone Church Museum open from 1 to 5pm, Thursday through Sunday.

Corner of US Hwy 41 & GA Hwy 2 Ringgold, GA 30736

Ringgold Depot

Ringgold Depot is a beautifully restored rail depot in the heart of Downtown Ringgold, Georgia. This historic building served as a major transportation hub for the Western & Atlantic Rail line as well as a crucial supply point for both Union and Confederate forces during the American Civil War.

155 Depot St, Ringgold, Georgia 30736
Phone: 706-935-3061

The General Locomotive Chase Monument

Approximately 1 mile north of the Ringgold Depot on the former Western & Atlantic Rail line, a monument marks the final stop of the great Locomotive Chase that began in April of 1862. A group of Union soldiers called "Andrew's Raiders" hijacked a Confederate train and attempted to destroy the rebel rail network across northwest Georgia. After running out of steam, the train engine came to a stop just north of Ringgold where the Union soldiers attempted to escape the now pursuing locals. For their actions, some of the surviving members of Andrew's Raiders were awarded the then newly created, Medal of Honor.