Bragg began serious work on Missionary Ridge only after the Union captured Orchard Knob. Confederate units then received inconsistent instructions, with some placed in rifle pits at the base, some on the summit, and some divided between both lines. The summit works followed the geographical crest rather than the proper military crest. The result was a shallow, poorly integrated defense that looked imposing but gave its units little ability to support one another.
Notable Point · 1:37:27-1:38:18
Confederate fortifications used the wrong crest of Missionary Ridge
Late fortification split troops between the base and summit and followed the geographical rather than military crest, weakening the Confederate position.