Eastern National, in partnership with Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Park, invites the public to participate in a free 1.5 hour walk of the Chickamauga Battlefield led by author and historian Robert Carter on Saturday, May 14 at 11 am.
This 1.8 mile walk will explore the ground where General James Longstreet's troops broke through the Federal line on September 20, 1863.
Meet at the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center. Participants are asked to wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Mr. Carter will also be available to sign his books, Longstreet's Breakthrough at Chickamauga: Accidental Victory and The Fight for Snodgrass Hill and the Rock of Chickamauga at the Eastern National Bookstore from 9-11 a.m., and from 1-3 p.m.
About Longstreet's Breakthrough at Chickamauga: Accidental Victory: Probably no ground on Chickamauga Battlefield is more important, or less understood, than the one square mile area around the Brotherton House. Recently arrived from Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia, Longstreet, the Bull of the Woods, led one of the largest attacks of the Civil War--some 23,000 men in total. But, the Breakthrough was not the easy attack portrayed in legend and lore. In fact, by noon, five of Longstreet’s eight brigades were in retreat. The attack was in danger of failing.
About the author: Robert Carter received his bachelor of science and masters degrees from Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Al.. He is an educator of 40 years, teaching in Georgia, Virginia, and Alabama. A Georgia resident, Mr. Carter is a park volunteer where he shares his knowledge and love of history at Chickamauga Battlefield.
"Come join us. Meet Robert Carter and support your National Parks. Funds generated by your purchases, including Longstreet's Breakthrough at Chickamauga: Accidental Victory, support the interpretive programs at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park," officials said.