Memorial Day Weekend Programs at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park

Date: May 15, 2014
Contact: Kim Coons, 423-752-5213 x 139

Fort Oglethorpe, GA: Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park invites the public to attend a series of special programs scheduled to be conducted Memorial Day weekend, May 24-26.  

On Saturday, May 24, living historians will conduct artillery programs inside Point Park, on historic Lookout Mountain. In the fall of 1863 Confederate artillery batteries occupied the mountain summit in an attempt to prevent the Union army, besieged in Chattanooga, from receiving much-needed supplies. The artillery firing demonstrations will begin at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, and 3:30 pm. Admission to Point Park is $3.00 per adult, age 16 and older.    

On Sunday, May 25, in conjunction with the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Pickett's Mill, a special ranger-led program will be conducted at Chickamauga Battlefield. A battle that has been described as murder and referred to as a "crime," Pickett's Mill was purposely overlooked in Union army reports. This program, focusing on Union General Hazen's attempt to dislodge entrenched Confederates, will discuss the true "crime" that occurred on May 27, 1864. This one-hour car caravan program will begin at 2 pm at the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center. Visitors are encouraged to bring portable chairs for this program. 

On Monday, May 26, in partnership with the National Cemetery Administration, Park Historian Jim Ogden will conduct a Torch Light Tour of the Chattanooga National Cemetery.   This 90-minute, one mile torch light walking tour will begin at 8:45 pm at the Memorial Pavilion/Old Entrance Arch in the southwest corner of the cemetery.  Enter the National Cemetery off Holtzclaw Avenue and go around the lower perimeter drive to the Pavilion.  Since this May marks the beginning stages of the 150th anniversary of the Atlanta Campaign, this tour will focus on many of the interred soldiers who lost their lives during May 1864.  Comfortable, supportive footwear, water and a flashlight are recommended for this program.