Ringgold, the seat of Catoosa County, is located just south of the Tennessee border in the northwest Georgia mountains. It played an essential role during the War between the States due to its proximity to the Western and Atlantic Railroad and the pass through the mountains directly to the south of town. From early 1862 through late 1863, the town was an important Confederate supply and hospital center. During the Great Locomotive Chase in April 1862, when James J. Andrews and his raiders abandoned the hijacked engine General, having exhausted its fuel supply, they escaped to the woods two miles north of Ringgold near Graysville at a site noted by a historical marker. After the Federal army arrived on November 27, 1863, Ringgold remained in Union hands for the remainder of the war.
Several state historical markers and monuments at the Catoosa County Courthouse describe Ringgold’s role as a vital hospital center able to care for several thousand patients. Fannie Beers and Kate Cummings, pioneers in the nursing profession who helped pave the way for women in the medical field, worked in the Ringgold hospitals, including the General Bragg, General Buckner, and the Foard. However, in October 1863, the hospitals were moved south to avoid capture by advancing Union forces. Large hospitals on the outskirts of Ringgold at Cherokee Springs and Catoosa Springs were also moved south ahead for the Union advance.