In Chickamauga, traces of the Civil War meet the history of mills and industry. These themes can be explored at different sites: Chickamauga Battlefield, Lee and Gordon's Mills, and the Chickamauga coke ovens. When planning your trip, it’s also worth considering the different outdoor options—from hiking trails to paddling on West Chickamauga Creek.
Battlefield History and Its Sites
On September 18, 1863, the Confederate army attempted to cross West Chickamauga Creek at several bridges and fords. During the Battle of Chickamauga on September 19 and 20, Crawfish Spring first served Union troops and then Confederate soldiers as their main source of water. Lee and Gordon's Mills also played a role in the region’s history: on September 9 and 10, 1863, the mill served as the headquarters of the Confederate Army of Tennessee, commanded by General Braxton Bragg. It is one of the oldest mills in the state of Georgia.
The Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center is located at the north end of the battlefield. Its exhibits cover the Battle of Chickamauga and the Chattanooga Campaign; the Fuller Gun Collection is also on display there. A self-guided mobile phone tour offers recorded commentary at eight locations. This gives visitors two different ways to explore the history: viewing exhibits and finding their way around several points on the battlefield.
Mansion, Museum, and Remembrance
Construction of the Gordon-Lee Mansion began in 1840 and was completed in 1847. Tours are available according to published schedules or by special arrangement. If you plan to visit the house, check the schedule or make special arrangements in advance.
The Walker County Regional Heritage & Model Train Museum is housed in the former train depot in historic downtown Chickamauga. There, you can see working model trains and regional artifacts and learn more about the history of Walker County. The War Between the States Days festival has a different focus: held every September, it commemorates the reconciliation of former Confederate and Union veterans. Check event dates and the program before your trip, as the program may change.
Industrial History on Highway 341
The Chickamauga coke ovens are just north of downtown Chickamauga on Highway 341. The site was reclaimed in the late 1990s, with railroad cars and the original beehive ovens restored to their original appearance. The ovens of the Durham Iron and Coal Company were designed to convert coal into coke for iron and steel foundries in nearby Chattanooga, Tennessee. The site thus reveals a different kind of history from that of the battlefield, mill, and mansion: the processing of raw materials for industry.
Hiking Trails and Paddling
Chickamauga Battlefield has about 50 miles of hiking trails. The John Culpepper Chickamauga Battlefield Connector Trail is a separate trail: this 2.2-mile multi-use path connects Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park with downtown Chickamauga. It follows sections of the old Dry Valley Road, along which Union soldiers once marched from Mountain Cove through Crawfish Springs. These are two different options: an extensive trail network at the battlefield and a single connector trail between the park and downtown.
West Chickamauga Creek can also be explored by canoe or kayak. Check access conditions before paddling. For an outdoor break, Crawfish Spring is designed as a park with picnic tables, a swing, and a pavilion; these amenities may change, so it’s a good idea to check before visiting. At Holland-Watson Veterans Memorial Park, a Huey helicopter stands on a pedestal in the center of the walking path as a symbol of the Vietnam War. These sites add different ways to spend time outdoors to the region’s historic attractions.
Discover more destinations: Lookout Mountain
For the broader trip overview: Walker County.
