Bragg expected the main Union blow on his left and reinforced Lookout Mountain, yet the terrain did not provide the protection its reputation suggested. The bench holding much of the defense lay under Union guns at Moccasin Bend. Summit artillery could not depress far enough to cover that shelf, leaving the defenders without support from the most imposing part of the position. Multiple western trails also offered approaches, making the mountain difficult to defend against a strong attack.
Notable Point · 1:27:26-1:31:54
Lookout Mountain's apparent strength was misleading
The Confederate position on Lookout Mountain looked formidable but its bench was exposed to Union artillery and accessible by unsecured western trails.