How one battle changed the presidential aspirations of two men

Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park invites the public to participate in a 60-minute program on Saturday, Feb. 18, beginning at 2 p.m. at the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center.

Participants will car caravan, then take a short hike to Union Gen. William S. Rosecrans’ headquarters in south Dyer Field.

Prior to the Battle of Chickamauga, Gen. Rosecrans was being strongly considered as a presidential candidate in the 1864 election. Up to that point, he was the most successful Union general in the field. However, the Battle of Chickamauga changed those thoughts about “Old Rosy.” Instead, the battle became a stepping stone that eventually landed another man in the White House – James A. Garfield.

Come and learn, on Presidents’ Day weekend, how the Battle of Chickamauga both diminished Rosecrans’ aspirations in 1864 and enhanced Garfield’s path to the presidency in1880.

As a reminder, comfortable, supportive footwear, chairs, appropriate clothing for the weather and water are recommended for this program.

For more information about programs at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, contact the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center at 706-8669241, the Lookout Mountain Battlefield Visitor Center at 423821-7786, or visit the park’s website at www. nps.gov/chch.How one battle changed the presidential aspirations of two men