Concerned by reports of Confederate movement toward Knoxville, Grant ordered Thomas to test the line. Wood, Sheridan, and Howard arrayed a conspicuous mass of troops, and 14,000 men overwhelmed roughly 600 defenders at Orchard Knob. Rather than withdraw as first intended, Grant and Thomas held the captured ground and used it as their headquarters. Bragg responded by recalling nearby units, redistributing his flanks, and only then beginning serious work on Missionary Ridge.
Chapter · 1:31:54-1:38:34
A reconnaissance captures Orchard Knob
Thomas turns a reconnaissance in force into the capture of Orchard Knob, which becomes the Union command post for the remaining battle.