Carrie Payton

The reenactment of the Battle of Missionary Ridge won't be anywhere near Missionary Ridge this weekend.

It won't even be in the same state.

However, the reenactment at Sequoyah Caverns and Ellis Homestead in Valley Head, Ala., will still feature the preliminary skirmish at Orchard Knob and the framework for the Missionary Ridge battle that was part of the overall struggle for Chattanooga during the Civil War on Nov. 23-25, 1863.

The battles will be staged at 2 p.m. CST Saturday and Sunday, but employee Carrie Payton said there will be plenty for visitors to see and do before and after the battle.

Because the battles, uniforms, sutlers and everything surrounding the reenactment are authentic, people can "get a good handle" on what conditions were like during the actual confrontation, she said.

They will see, for instance, that sutlers -- the day's camp merchants -- offer items such as uniforms, women's clothing, accessories reenactors might need and period toys.

Before the battle, visitors also can wander around the tented encampments and see how the soldiers lived.

On Saturday, when the gates open at 9 a.m., they're also welcome to attend a women's tea at 10 a.m. and observe an evening dance. Only those in period dress will be able to participate in the dance.

"A lot of people don't know there is other stuff to do," Payton said. "It's a lot of fun. It's a great atmosphere."

More than 500 schoolchildren are expected to attend a living-history day today.

IF YOU GO

* What: Battle of Missionary Ridge reenactment.

* When: 2 p.m. CST Saturday and Sunday.

* Where: Sequoyah Caverns and Ellis Homestead, 1438 County Road 731, Valley Head, Ala.

* Admission: $5 (free for children 12 and younger).

* Phone: 256-635-0024.

* Web site: www.battleofmissionaryridge.com/battles.asp.

The Battle in Brief

The Battle of Missionary Ridge on Nov. 23-25, 1863, was part of the overall struggle for the control of Chattanooga during the Civil War. The Union commander was Ulysses S. Grant, and the Confederate leader was Braxton Bragg. The ridge was the fallback position for Confederate forces after they were pushed off Lookout Mountain. Once the Union prevailed in the Missionary Ridge, a way was opened for Gen. William T. Sherman's eventual March to the Sea through Georgia.