With over 160 years of history and culture, the Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park is a must-see destination for a history field trip in Georgia. In 1863, more than 100,000 men took up arms and fought in the Battle of Chickamauga and the Campaign for Chattanooga. In 1890, Congress authorized these 9,000 acres of battlefields, forests, and landscapes dotted with monuments as the park that stands here today. It was the first park of its kind in the country, and not only represents the history of the brave men who fought here, but has shaped the design of subsequent military and historic parks across the United States.
Fascinating History Exhibits
Located on the north end of the battlefield, the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center hosts exhibits highlighting the most significant aspects of the park’s history. Exhibits cover the 1863 Campaign for Chattanooga, the broader Civil War, and a gun collection recognized as one of the nation’s best displays of military small arms. Stay for a short orientation film that covers the Campaign for Chattanooga as the gateway to the Confederacy.
Outdoor Leraning Experiences
Take your education outside with a wealth of historic walking trails that wind you through history and the park’s natural beauty. As one of the largest green spaces in the area, there are nearly 10,000 preserved and uninhabited acres with plenty of outdoor activities to explore — biking, rock climbing, and paddling, to name a few.
Guided Exploration
Their ranger-guided field trips provide students with in-depth history in an engaging outdoor environment. Students can choose from three topics: the Civil War, American Indians, or Geography. All guided tours support classroom curriculum with monument viewings, walks through historic areas, and knowledgeable rangers who guide students and answer questions. Their Civil War field trip highlights curriculum standards on the causes of the Civil War, how and why armies fought, and the consequences and years following the war. The American Indians field trip covers over 10,000 years of Georgia history, with curriculum standards covering Cherokee culture, the role of geography, the effects of European settlers, the Trail of Tears, and more. Their Geography field trips consist of map studies, how to locate topographical features, territorial expansion in the 1800s, and more. All of their field trips are customizable to grade level and state standards for visiting school groups.
More for Students
The park also promotes student volunteer work, with several programs that encourage learning and volunteering through service projects. Their Classroom Service Learning programs engage classes in cleaning monuments, removing invasive species, and clearing trails throughout Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park. Students can volunteer while learning the importance of preserving history and conserving the land around them. And for classes that can’t make it out to the park, check out their educational videos on a variety of topics.
