“A Living Sheet of Fire”: John T. Wilder’s Lightning Brigade at Chickamauga

Few units that fought at the Battle of Chickamauga spark as much curiosity as Union Colonel John T. Wilder’s brigade of mounted infantry. Nicknamed the “Lightning Brigade” for the seven-shot Spencer repeating rifles with which they were armed, these hard-fighting soldiers from Indiana and Illinois found themselves heavily engaged on all three days of the battle.

This ranger-led car caravan tour will examine the actions of the Lightning Brigade on each day of the Battle of Chickamauga. Interested visitors should meet at the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center at 10 am for the program introduction.

The program will involve a bit of walking over uneven ground, so participants are advised to wear sturdy shoes and to bring a bottle of water.

We hope to see you there!