Chickamauga and Chattanooga, the Union's Blockade

Chickamauga and Chattanooga
         The battle of Chickamauga, and the city of Chattanooga, were very important in order for the Union to keep proceeding south. The battle of Chickamauga was the first major battle of the Civil War that was fought in Georgia. What happened was the Union troops established a foothold in Chattanooga, and then they proceeded the travel south across mountainous terrain to Chickamauga. Here, there was a two day battle which resulted in a Union loss. However, the Union's retreat was much easier and less stressful for the troops because the "Rock of Chickamauga" (George H. Thomas) stubbornly held a position atop a hill while everyone else retreated. This was important because Union soldiers did not have to worry or stress when they traveled back to Chattanooga. The city of Chattanooga was very important because it served as a supply center for the Atlanta Campaign. Before the Union was able to take over this city, they were trapped in it. The army was stranded until General Grant was able to open up a supply line into the city. This allowed troops to continue south because they now had provisions that were necessary.
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The Union's Blockade of Georgia's Coast
          After the Union established major supply centers in Georgia, they went on to blockade Georgia's coast. This was part of General Scott's plan to defeat the North (Anaconda Plan). They did this because Georgia had many valuable ports like Savannah, and by cutting these ports off, the Union could reduce the supplies given to the Confederate troops. Instead of fighting the Union's blockade, General Lee decided not to waste troops there. He thought that he should use more troops where they are needed most, instead of fighting the blockade. The Mass. 54th looted and destroyed the town of Darien, when the Union was trying to secure Georgia's coast. After this, the regiment attacked Fort Wagner, but they were defeated. This regiment was very skilled at fighting and impressive. All of the men in the regiment were African American, and this was the first major battle blacks fought in. Even though they were excellent soldiers, around half of their men were killed, injured, or captured. The Union's blockade of Georgia's coast was very important in the outcome of the war.
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