William Rosecrans had maneuvered Braxton Bragg out of Chattanooga, but the armies collided at Chickamauga in September 1863. A poorly worded order caused a Union division to move away and open a large gap that Confederate forces exploited. George Thomas's stubborn defense earned him the name Rock of Chickamauga and covered the retreat. Rosecrans was physically and mentally exhausted by the defeat, felt responsible for the men lost, and became increasingly unable to provide the inspiring front-line leadership on which he had previously relied.
Chapter · 15:17-21:25
Chickamauga broke Rosecrans and trapped his army
A misunderstood order opened a fatal gap at Chickamauga, while George Thomas's defensive stand saved much of the Union army before its retreat to Chattanooga.