The program, "The Johnnies Make a Dash: Opening the Cracker Line," will be held Saturday, Oct. 11, from 1:30-3:30 p.m .
“It was a gamble to say the very least,” says NPS Chief of Interpretation Kim Coons, “sneaking up on the confederates in order to open a vital supply line to starving Union soldiers in besieged Chattanooga. In the early morning hours of Oct. 28, 1863, over a thousand blue-clad soldiers silently floated down the Tennessee River towards Brown’s Ferry, an important crossing held by the Confederates. Suddenly, masked by the darkness and fog, Union soldiers made landfall at the Ferry...”
Ms. Coons encourages the public to attend this program to find out what happened next.
This 1 ½ mile, two hour walking tour begins at the Brown’s Ferry Federal Road trailhead off Pineville Road on Moccasin Bend. From Manufacturers Road, follow the NPS “Special Event” signs to get to the trailhead. Wear comfortable, supportive, wet-weather shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing. Carrying water is also recommended.
For more information call 706.866-9241 or 821-7786.