Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park announced that the New York Peace Monument is currently receiving a long overdue preservation facelift. This iconic Civil War memorial located within Point Park, atop Lookout Mountain, last received a thorough cleaning in 1988. The monument was originally erected in 1907.
Gordon Ponsford, a conservator from Acworth, Ga., has been contracted to conduct this current preservation work. His crew has been busy washing all the stone surfaces, re-pointing joints, cleaning and waxing bronze plaques, and inspecting the monument for other repair needs.
On Monday they are scheduled to bring in a lift to work on the 85 foot tall granite column and bronze statue at the top of the monument. The areas directly surrounding the monument will be temporarily closed to the public while the crew completes their work. The staff wishes to apologize for any inconvenience these activities might cause park visitors.
Officials said, "The park is using Point Park entry fee money to cover the $150,000 cost of preserving this important piece of our nation’s history. Money collected by fees has also been used to rehabilitate the Point Park Visitor Center and the Ochs Museum on Lookout Mountain. This preservation work is timely as the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park prepares to commemorate its 125th Anniversary later this year, and the National Park Service looks forward to celebrating its 100th Anniversary in 2016."