United Daughters of the Confederacy, Jefferson Davis Chapter no. 900, attended the unveiling and dedication ceremony of the Civil War marker at 7723 Dalton Pike in Cleveland. The UDC members attended the historical occasion in Civil War period dress, along with other historical organizations.
The roadside marker is located two or three miles north of the Georgia state line. The marker was dedicated by the family of the late Joseph Lusk II, who lived in the community during the War Between the States. Mr. Lusk and several family members are buried on the property. His father, Joseph Lusk I is the only Revolutionary War veteran buried in the State of Tennessee.
The sponsor, and event organizer of the state highway marker is Tim McCoy, great-great-great grandson of Mr. Lusk. He stated the interest in the project began three years ago while looking through keepsakes of his late grandmother. After extensive review and research it was approved by the Tennessee Historical Commission. It is State Plaque 2A 109 and entitled Civil War “No Man’s Land.”
Featured guest speaker Jim Ogden, chief historian, Chickamauga-Chattanooga National Military Park, provided more information about the area. He stated this valley was truly “No Man’s Land.” There were tens of thousands of troops who trudged up and down these valleys. The fighting between December 1863, and May 1864 was to control the railroad and a vital gateway to the region. This area was a divided area between the Confederate and Union Armies. The majority of people in Bradley County opposed Southern secession and remained loyal to the United States throughout the Civil War. In this area, it was not uncommon for Pro-Unionists to turn against their Pro-Confederate neighbors. Deadly guerrilla warfare and other forms of lawlessness and harassment flourished as noted by the Civil War “No Man’s Land” Roadside Marker.
For more information on the Daughters of the Confederacy, visit www.udcjeffersondavischapter900.com or Facebook at www.facebook.com/ udcjeffersondavischapter900