During the American Civil War, Tennessee served as a vital and bloody crossroads, becoming the second most fought-over state after Virginia.
Known as the “Gateway to the Deep South,” its strategic rivers and railroads made it a primary objective for both Union and Confederate forces. From the devastating carnage at Shiloh to the dramatic “Battle Above the Clouds” in Chattanooga and the decisive clashes in Nashville, the state was a landscape of constant upheaval.
Tennessee was also a land deeply divided in loyalty, particularly between the pro-Union East and the Confederate-leaning West. The war left an indelible mark on the state, as its rugged mountains and fertile plains bore witness to some of the most turning-point moments that ultimately shaped the future of a divided nation.
These rare and amazing photos document the Union Army buildup of troops and supplies in and around the vital railroad center of Chattanooga, Tennessee, with additional scenes of Lookout Mountain and other sites in Tennessee during the American Civil War.
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| View of park of artillery captured at the Battle of Chattanooga, November 24, 25, and 26, 1863 |
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| Battlefield of Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, circa 1865 |
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| Capitol, Nashville, Tennessee, circa 1865 |
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| Chattanooga depot, Nashville, Tennessee, circa 1865 |
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| Grave yard and Monument of Hazen’s Brigade on Stones River Battleground, Tennessee, circa 1865 |
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