Thomas Wood's division advanced as part of a force of roughly 20,000 men, with Philip Sheridan's division covering the right and the XI Corps extending the line to the left. About 14,000 troops moved at double quick against only several hundred Confederates on Orchard Knob. The position fell so easily that an operation described as reconnaissance became an assault in practical terms. Grant and Thomas ordered the ground held, entrenched it, and moved their headquarters forward for a commanding view of the battlefield. Bragg then began fortifying Missionary Ridge, weeks after his army occupied the area and after the Union had seized the commanding ground in front of it.
Chapter · 55:19-1:02:30
The Orchard Knob reconnaissance became an assault
A massive Union reconnaissance overran Orchard Knob, gave Grant and Thomas a forward command post, and finally prompted Bragg to fortify Missionary Ridge.