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News Release Date: June 26, 2018
Contact:
Kim Coons, 706-866-9241x139
On July 4, 1864, the U.S. Army garrison at Chattanooga, along with local civilians, celebrated our nation’s independence with a series of picnics and salutes on Lookout Mountain. Thomas Wright, a Captain in the 8th Kentucky Infantry later recalled that, “The day was celebrated by some officers, soldiers and loyal citizens, by a pic-nic and dancing fandango on Lookout Mountain…Joyous groups of shoulder strapped and blue-coated men, and country maids, tripping their feet in unison with the lively music, contrasted with the hostile scenes enacted on the same grounds seven months previous…” Throughout the day, a cannon fired salutes that “[made] the mountain-walled valley echo.”
Join us at Point Park as we celebrated our nation’s independence on Lookout Mountain in much the same way Chattanoogans did in 1864 and as we “[make] the mountain-walled valley echo” once again with the roar of cannon fired in salute to our independence.
For more information about upcoming programs at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, please contact the Lookout Mountain Visitor Center at 423-821-7786, the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center at 706-866-9241, or visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/chch.
Last updated: June 26, 2018