The Battle of Lookout Mountain: November 24, 1863

On November 24, 1863, the Battle of Lookout Mountain, often referred to as the “Battle Above the Clouds,” commenced as part of the larger Chattanooga Campaign during the American Civil War. This engagement saw Union forces under Major General Joseph Hooker taking on Confederate troops commanded by Major General Carter L. Stevenson on the slopes of Lookout Mountain in Tennessee. This battle was a prelude to the more extensive Battle of Chattanooga.

Background

Chattanooga was a critical transportation hub for the Confederacy, and its control was vital for both Union and Confederate forces. Following the Union defeat at the Battle of Chickamauga in September 1863, Confederate forces, led by General Braxton Bragg, laid siege to the Union army trapped in Chattanooga. In response, the Union sought to break the siege and secure control over Chattanooga.

The Battle

Union Strategy

The Union army, reinforced by troops from the Army of the Potomac and led by General Ulysses S. Grant, devised a plan to lift the siege. One of the key components was the attack on Lookout Mountain, a strategic position held by the Confederates that dominated the approaches to Chattanooga from the south.

Battle Engagement

• Troop Movements: On the morning of November 24, General Hooker was ordered to press the Confederate defenses on Lookout Mountain. The Union forces utilized the mist and clouds that shrouded the mountain to their advantage, concealing their movement and intentions.
• Climbing the Slopes: Hooker’s men began their ascent of Lookout Mountain from the western slope. The natural environment’s ruggedness posed a significant challenge; however, it also provided cover as they advanced.
• Union Assault: The Union assault succeeded in engaging and eventually overwhelming the outnumbered Confederate defenders. The battle was characterized by skirmishes in wooded areas, where fog and difficult terrain made communication and coordination challenging for both sides.

Outcome

By the afternoon of November 24, Union forces effectively pushed the Confederates off Lookout Mountain. This victory was pivotal, as it paved the way for the Union to lift the siege of Chattanooga in the subsequent engagements on Missionary Ridge.

Aftermath and Significance

The Battle of Lookout Mountain had several significant consequences:

1. Strategic Advantage: Securing Lookout Mountain allowed the Union to open supply lines and reinforce their position in Chattanooga.
2. Morale Boost: The victory provided a significant morale boost for the Union troops and demonstrated the effective coordination under General Grant’s leadership.
3. Prelude to Victory: It set the stage for the Union success in the Battle of Chattanooga, which ultimately ensured the capture of this vital logistical center, significantly impacting the Confederacy’s ability to sustain its war efforts in the Western Theater.

By effectively leveraging the terrain and employing coordinated assaults, the Union’s victory at Lookout Mountain marked a turning point in the Western campaigns of the Civil War and underscored the strategic acumen of Union military leadership.