Ringgold Gap Civil War Battle

1864 sketch of the fighting at Ringgold Gap, Georgia

Photo: Alfred R. Waud, public domain

Following the Union victory at Missionary Ridge and the Rebel retreat, Yankee troops set out in pursuit.

Continued Battle Description and Results

Maj. Gen. Patrick Cleburne’s command fell back to Ringgold Gap where the Western & Atlantic Railroad passed through Taylor’s Ridge.

Maj. Gen. Joseph B. Hooker sent his force forward to seize the ridge, which it failed to do after five hours of heavy fighting.

Results: Confederate victory

General Information

Location: Catoosa County

Campaign: Chattanooga-Ringgold Campaign (1863)

Dates: November 27, 1863

Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker [US]; Maj. Gen. Patrick R. Cleburne [CS]

Forces Engaged: Three divisions [US]; one division [CS]

Estimated Casualties: 912 total (US 432; CS 480)


Visiting the Site Today
Ringgold's small Depot Park and several historical markers downtown mark the site of Cleburne's rearguard stand, which bought Bragg's retreating army the time it needed to reach safety. The victory earned Patrick Cleburne a rare Confederate Congressional Thanks and cemented his reputation as one of the war's best defensive tacticians.