National Park Partners, Tennessee Civil War Preservation Association, the Tennessee Trail of Tears Association, and the American Battlefield Trust in a co-operative venture with Lookout Valley Elementary will open historic Browns Tavern to the graduating fifth graders of the elementary school.
This is the second year for the educational event, “Lookout Valley: Crossroads of American History.” Students will interact with living history interpreters on the Tavern’s grounds who will portray important eras in Lookout Valley and American history: Cherokee, Longhunters, early travelers on the Federal Road, and the Civil War. They will tour the inside of the Tavern as part of the day’s events.
The 2021 inaugural program was so well received by the students, Dara Lacy, eLab specialist at Lookout Valley Elementary, asked local representatives of the National Park Partners and American Battlefield Trust to repeat the program this year. Ms. Lacy said, “Generations of Lookout Valley Elementary students had never seen the inside of the historic old structure that stands adjacent to their school. In many ways the Tavern is not only a symbol of Lookout Valley Elementary but also a symbol of the Lookout Valley community. To not only go inside the Tavern but experience its history through the costumed historians is a great opportunity for our students.”
Brown’s Tavern, believed to have been built around 1803 is thought to be the oldest structure in Hamilton County. It was a landmark structure during the “Trail of Tears” and the Civil War. Under threat of development, it was recently purchased by the American Battlefield Trust (battlefields.org) to ensure its preservation. National Park Partners, the friends group championing the conservation of the natural, historic, and cultural resources of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, including Moccasin Bend National Archeological District, will assume ownership soon.
"A focal point of our mission is to engage young people in preserving and promoting the stories of Chattanooga's National Park treasures," said Tricia King Mims, executive director of National Park Partners. "Through this program, students develop a sense of pride and ownership of the incredible historic and cultural resources in their backyard; this plants the seed for growing future National Park stewards in the community."