The defeat of the Confederate forces at Missionary Ridge November 25, 1863 was devastating. Braxton Bragg’s troops were strung out across 15 miles, their wagons mired up to their hubs in mud. Union troops under the command of "Fighting Joe" Hooker were right behind Bragg and he needed time to retreat and regroup his forces.  General Patrick Cleburne was assigned to give the Confederate forces time by holding the Union troops at Ringgold Gap. 

Using the Ringgold Depot as an anchor, Cleburne carefully concealed his men and cannon. They watched the Union soldiers approaching in formation, unaware of the rebels. Ordered not to fire until the Yankees were upon them, Cleburne's men let loose a volley on the advancing line just before it entered the gap. The line shuddered and fell, retreating under the fire.
 
Hooker considered the situation and decided to test the flanks of the rebel force. Immediately after the initial volley, Cleburne began moving troops to his flanks. He repulsed Union attacks on both sides and with only 4100 men, the rebel general stalled the advance of Hooker's Union troops over 12,000 strong.