Virtually Explore America's Oldest and Largest Civil War Park with American Battlefield Trust

(Chickamauga, Ga.) — Last night, the American Battlefield Trust marked the 160th anniversary of the Battle of Chickamauga, the second-bloodiest battle of the Civil War, with the YouTube premiere of a video driving tour of the Chickamauga Battlefield. The 90-minute video not only navigates viewers through Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, but also demonstrates the power of place in telling America’s most trying tales. It joins a wide collection of free, high-quality digital resources, including 24 mobile apps and a YouTube channel hosting more than 1,000 videos and 370,000 subscribers, that the battlefield preservation organization makes accessible to history lovers, educators and students across the globe.  

“Connecting people with America’s hallowed ground is what allows the American Battlefield Trust’s mission to thrive,” said Trust President David Duncan. “From the release of previous video tours, we know that audiences crave this content. So, we’re here, with our partners in tow, to bring battlefield scenery and stories to screens near and far.”

The Trust’s release of the Chickamauga video tour follows similar installments for the Gettysburg and Shiloh battlefields, which have together amassed more than 1 million views on YouTube. Created in coordination with the National Park Service, the free tour of the Chickamauga Battlefield allows audiences to peer into the first federally created military park in the United States and is now available on the Trust’s YouTube channel and website.

Using GoPro cameras mounted on his vehicle and knowledge accumulated over the course of authoring nine books on the battles at Chickamauga and Chattanooga, historian David A. Powell takes the wheel and steers viewers through scenic places and fascinating events. Some of the iconic sites that Powell details include Alexander's Bridge, Viniard Field, Battleline Road, Brotherton, Hood's Wounding, Horseshoe Ridge and Chattanooga National Cemetery. To immerse viewers further, the video is complete with on-screen maps, historical imagery, and out-of-the-car experiences.

Although compelling in its own right, the new video can also be a wonderful way to prepare for an in-person visit to Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. For tour options once on site, visitors may choose to seek out the park’s free cell phone tour (connected to the park’s eight highlighted tour stops) or ranger-led interpretive programs during the peak season. Professional guides, not affiliated with the National Park Service, can also be sought for-hire to better accommodate individuals and small groups.

To better prepare visitors for a trip to Chickamauga, the American Battlefield Trust offers additional tools like a one-day itinerary or an interactive tour map that present further points of interest. Additional digital resources include the Chickamauga Animated Map, a Georgia/Tennessee tour series or 360° Virtual Tours at places like Brotherton Cabin, Viniard Field, Horseshoe Ridge, Snodgrass Hill and more.

The American Battlefield Trust is dedicated to preserving America’s hallowed battlegrounds and educating the public about what happened there and why it matters today. The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization has protected more than 57,000 acres associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War across 155 sites in 25 states. Learn more at www.battlefields.org.

###