The Old Stone Church in Ringgold served as a hospital during the Civil War for wounded Confederate and Union troops from the Battle of Ringgold. Several historical markers and monuments at the Catoosa County Courthouse explain Ringgold’s role as a major hospital center that could care for several thousand patients. Together, these sites draw attention both to the care of the wounded and to the history of the battle.
Civil War traces around Ringgold Gap
The Ringgold Gap Battlefield covers 110 acres and includes the gap between White Oak Mountain and Taylor Ridge. Confederate defensive lines were near the gap, at the foot of White Oak Mountain and Taylor’s Ridge. On March 12, 2011, the battlefield was added to the National Register of Historic Places. It was also designated a historic site of significance at the state level because the battle helped keep the Army of Tennessee (C.S.A.) in Georgia after its defeat at the Battle of Missionary Ridge in Tennessee. Near the gap, at West Chickamauga Creek, Cleburne camped with 4,000 men.
Another historical trace is the Old Federal Road: it ran through what is now Catoosa County, near the Old Stone Church and through the gap at Ringgold Gap. The General Locomotive Chase Monument marks the endpoint of the Great Locomotive Chase, which began in April 1862. The route and monument point to different aspects of regional history: a road through the present-day area and the endpoint of an event.
Museum and local history
The Catoosa County Historical Society shares history through visits to its museum and monthly meetings on historical topics. The museum includes collections of local historical artifacts. The Historic Ringgold Train Depot serves a different purpose: it is a venue available for rental and a community center. If you are planning an event there, check availability in advance.
Trails, creeks, and outdoor activities
Elsie A. Holmes Nature Park has more than two miles of hiking and walking trails through 66 acres of hardwood forest and wooded creek bottoms along South Chickamauga Creek. A trail along the ridge is accessible to all-terrain strollers and people with limited abilities. Accessibility may change; check current conditions before your visit.
The Chief Richard Taylor Nature Trail also offers a route for a walk: it eventually leads to the Creek Walk. The Dragging Canoe Launch is directly on the trail, where visitors can launch their own canoes or kayaks on South Chickamauga Creek. Clark Park provides access to Chickamauga Creek for fishing. A canoe launch on West Chickamauga Creek is in Catoosa County at the intersection of Cloud Springs Road and Dietz Road. Conditions there may also change; check them before visiting. The options include trails through forests and creek bottoms, a launch point for your own paddlecraft, and access for fishing.
A festival in Historic Downtown Ringgold
The 1890 Days Jamboree has been a Ringgold tradition since its first event in 1975. It takes place every Memorial Day weekend in Historic Downtown Ringgold and features booths offering arts and crafts, art, and food. If the festival is the reason for your trip, check the specific event dates in advance.
Discover more destinations: Ringgold, Fort Oglethorpe, Lakeview, Hart County, Haralson County, Rockdale, Mcintosh, Jefferson County.
For the broader travel overview: Georgia.
