Snodgrass Cabin
The Snodgrass Cabin served as a
field hospital. In 1863, U.S. Snodgrass and his family of nine lived in
this log cabin. ON the 2nd day of the Battle of Chickamauga the union
forces made a desperate stand in the woods and the fields around the cabin
forcing the Snodgrass family to take cover in a nearby ravine with other
refugees. Thousands of confederate soldiers attacked the union position on
Snodgrass Hill that afternoon. With some of the wars bloodiest fighting,
the Snodgrass cabin soon filled with wounded. That evening the Federal
evacuated leaving behind many wounded that could not be moved. For several
days wounded soldiers from both sides were treated here. Army doctors
found it hard to cope with the great number of wounded and the ghastly
wounds. Amputation was the standard treatment for arms and legs smashed by
bullets or shells. Anesthetics such as chloroform and ether were in use
during this period but were in short supply at Chickamauga. Confederate
surgeon amputates a soldiers arm in a effort to save his life. Amputations
needed to be preformed quickly, 15 minutes or less under battlefield
conditions. Because of its proximity to the heavy fighting on Snodgrass
Hill, the Snodgrass cabin was used as a hospital by both sides. The cabin
has been restored by the National Park Service.
58,000 Union soldiers engaged. 1,556
killed, 9749 wounded, 4774 missing. Total 16,079.
66,000 Confederates engaged. 2,673
killed, 16,274 wounded, 2,003 missing. Total 20,950. |