Henry Boynton
Chattanooga Mayor Alexander Chambliss was clear in his goals for Boynton Park. He “intended to make the park on Cameron Hill one of the most beautiful and pleasing landscapes in the country, and this, together with the magnificent view from the hill, will tend to make this park the most popular resort about Chattanooga.” By early 1904, the plans were unfolding.
The design plan for the park including a blending of green spaces, a nod to General Boynton’s background as a veteran of the Battles of Chattanooga and a Medal of Honor recipient and a highlighting of the natural beauty of Cameron Hill’s vantage point overlooking the Tennessee River and the city. When one stood atop the hill, originally a gift from the Whiteside family to artist James Cameron, the location’s framing by Walden’s Ridge, Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge enhanced its beauty and historic setting. The city fathers wanted to blend the new design elements with the “good bones” of the site.
In an editorial in the Chattanooga Daily Times, it was suggested that “a competent landscape gardener be employed at once to prepare such plans as the grounds would justify, and that, on approval of the board,” the city council should fund the project. The writer further reminded readers that the “people of this city want this enterprise to reflect their regard and esteem for General Boynton” and would willingly support the necessary appropriations. Since the actual project would not like begin until late in 1904, careful planning along with funding and a wise stewardship would guarantee that Chattanooga’s Boynton Park would recognize the contributions of the General who would hopefully celebrate his 70th birthday with the park’s opening in 1905.
In February 1904, the Board of Parks Commissioners received notice from the U. S. Department of Agriculture, via E. E. Betts, U. S. Engineer posted at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, that the federal government would donate some “choice specimens of ornamental trees and shrubbery” to Boynton Park as a gift in honor of General H. V. Boynton. In a letter to Washington, D. C., Commission Secretary I. E. Mansfield acknowledged the donation and pledged that the commission staff would “receive, plant and care for the same, with many thanks.” He mentioned that Chattanooga leaders had heard that “several cannon” would also be coming to Boynton Park within a few months.
In preparation for the new site, park commissioners, utilizing the skills of the public works employees, began grading and terracing the hill to prevent erosion. As the foundational work continued, great care was taken to work with the trees already in place. Undergrowth was removed and, in contrast to the “hardy and enduring fellows already present, ornamentals were planted at irregular intervals.” Since the city owned property on the west side that extended several feet below the brow, discussions ensued about terracing the face to provide gardens with groups of seating that afforded a breathtaking view. During that process, “one eminent landscaper designer visited the future park and, in a statement to the Chattanooga Daily Times, declared that he “knew of no place offering equal opportunities to the artist.”
Veterans from both sides of the civil war urged the city to pursue the idea of a federal military reservation atop Cameron Hill. As they argued, “a battery and signal station were located on or near its summit… and it play an important albeit not conspicuous part in the campaign in and around Chattanooga.’ While it was not Lookout Mountain, Brown’s Ferry, Orchard Knob or Missionary Ridge, “its situation and commanding view” would afford visitors an understanding of the role Chattanooga had played as ‘The Gateway to the South.’ At least one commissioner speculated that “the government will someday covet the spot” and the more interest the city took in improving it, the more likelihood that it would become the next preserved military reservation. The veterans celebrated when word arrived that two of the large siege cannons which stood on Cameron Hill during the civil war had been shipped to Chattanooga and should arrive in a few days. Perhaps their plans would succeed.
Moving forward required access to the park. There was only one “driveway” leading from Sixth street up the hill but, as it neared the top, it was almost impassable. No roads existed within the boundaries of the park so the landscape architects could incorporate the roads and trails as a part of the overall design. Much work awaited.
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Linda Moss Mines is Chairman of the Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors Commission.