An acorn, an ancient goddess, life-size soldiers. The veterans who placed monuments at Chickamauga Battlefield chose intricate designs to carve in stone. What do these symbols and images mean? As part of the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Chickamauga, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park invites the public to attend a special program at Chickamauga Battlefield on Saturday, Aug. 17, at 2 p.m.
The Battle of Chickamauga in September, 1863 left thousands dead and a landscape scarred and ruined. Just over 25 years later, veterans from both sides returned to establish that land as Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, the nation’s first. To mark where soldiers fought, they placed stone and iron monuments. In relief images and honored words, these monuments remain today as sentinels and storytellers to the memories of these soldiers and the civilians whose homes became a battlefield.
Join a park ranger for a two-hour car caravan and walking tour to hear more about these monuments and their stories. The tour will begin at the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center.
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 park’s website at www.nps.gov/chch.