Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park invites the public to participate in a free walking tour on Saturday, Oct. 6, at 9:30 a.m.
The tour will examine the Cherokee Removal and Civil War “Cracker Line” history of the Browns Ferry crossing of the Tennessee River. Meet Park Historian Jim Ogden for this two hour, two and a half mile walk at the parking lot of Chattanooga Bakery, 900 Manufacturers Road, Chattanooga. From U. S. Highway 27, take the Manufacturers Road exit and go west on Manufacturers Road for six tenths of a mile and past the intersection with Hamm Road. “Special Event” signs will direct you to the parking area.
The tour will follow the corridor (but not always the exact alignment) of one of the branches of the Federal Road; move across the ground where a party in the Cherokee Removal traveled; take a look at the site of a longtime important ferry over the Tennessee; and learn about the risky and daring seizure of that same point to save an army from being starved into submission during the Civil War by the opening of a “Cracker Line.”
Along the way, the new research and technology that is being applied to better bring this history to light will also be discussed. Comfortable, supportive footwear, appropriate clothing for the weather, bug spray, and water are recommended for this program.
For more information about programs at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, contact the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center at 706 866-9241, the Lookout Mountain Battlefield Visitor Center at 423 821-7786, or visit the National Military Park’s website at www.nps.gov/chch.