CHATTANOOGA, TN -- Chattanooga has much more to offer than a world class aquarium and a famous mountain with great views, especially if you are interested in military history. Here is just a sampling of military related history sites and events to help you plan your trip to Chattanooga.
The Chickamauga National Military Park is actually comprised of a number of separate facilities throughout the Chattanooga area.
Chattanooga National Cemetery
As the final resting place for over 40,000 veterans, the Chattanooga National Cemetery is one of the nation’s largest. A walking tour of the cemetery provides great insight into the military history of the Chattanooga area. The first men buried at the cemetery were Union soldiers killed in the battles near Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge in 1863. Other highlights at the cemetery include the graves of six Medal of Honor winners and the final resting place of 78 WW I prisoners of war and 108 WW II prisoners of war.
The National Park Service offers a variety of special tours at differing times throughout the year – check the schedule – it changes frequently. Historians lead guided walking/torchlight tours of Union graves associated with the Battles of Chickamauga and Chattanooga. Other tours include a bus tour focusing on William T. Sherman's assault against the northern end of Missionary Ridge and another focusing on the Union Army of the Cumberland's assault against Missionary Ridge. The bus tours last approximately 2 hours. For information on any of the tours contact the National Park Service at (423) 821-7786.
Chickamauga Visitor Center
The Center boasts a brand new $6 million exhibit hall. The new hall’s prized possession is the Fuller gun collection and its 355 military long arm rifles. In addition, a modern, large theater tells the story of the battle that took place at Chickamauga Creek. Info: (706) 866-9241 (ext 123).
Point Park (atop Lookout Mountain)
One of the best views of Chattanooga is from atop Lookout Mountain from Point Park, which is also part of the Lookout Mountain National Battlefield Park. The view from Point Park lets you see today’s Chattanooga as well as the lay of the land as it may have looked during the battles during Civil War. There are numerous monuments to troops from individual states as well as a collection of civil war cannons still “on guard” in the park. Demonstration of Confederate artillery is sometimes scheduled on weekends; contact the Park in advance for the most up to date information. The user fee for Point Park is $3.00 per person (18 years or older). With the Golden Age pass (62 years or older), the fee is $1.50. Children age 17 and under are free.
Chattanooga Ducks?
What is a Duck? Ducks, which hold about 25 people, are authentic WW II amphibious landing vehicles that take tourists on a combined land and sea tour of downtown Chattanooga. Reservations are suggested and tours last about an hour. Part of the tour is spent on dry ground driving the streets of Chattanooga in the DUCK, then it’s amphibious time – and the tour continues as a boat on the river. Tours start near the Tennessee Aquarium and also include a trip around MaClellan Island in the Tennessee River, an Audubon Society Wildlife Sanctuary. For more information: (423) 756-DUCK (3825).
Battles for Chattanooga (Attraction)
This attraction features a three dimensional electronic map presentation of Chattanooga’s Civil War history or as they say in the South, the “War Between the States.” The map features 5,000 miniature soldiers with light and sound effects. It is located atop Lookout Mountain. For more information: www.Battles.forChattanooga.com or (877) 820-0759.
Tennessee Valley Railroad (Missionary Ridge Tunnel)
I know that trains are supposed to be for children, but this is no ordinary train ride. The Tennessee Valley Railroad, which doesn’t necessarily market itself to history or civil war enthusiasts, is steeped in history.
Besides crossing directly over Chickamauga Creek, the name of the train service says it all - “Missionary Ridge Local” service. The train goes right through the Missionary Ridge rail tunnel, the same tunnel that existed during Civil War. For all who appreciate the sacrifices made by both the Blue & Gray, it is daunting to think of how important a role the tunnel and land above and near it played in the outcome of Civil War. Info: www: tvrail.com or (423)894-8028.
Chattanooga 411
How to get there? Chattanooga’s airport has direct flights to many major cities. US Air is the major airline. As far as hotels, the Holiday Inn Chattanooga Choo Choo includes a limited number of rooms that are reconditioned railroad rail cars, The Chattanoogan is brand new and top of the line and the Marriott is first class and is adjacent to Chattanooga’s new downtown convention center. For additional visitor information visit: www.chattanoogafun.com or call (800) 322-3344/2344.
