News Release

Mark Thrash: A Living Memorial

Date: April 23, 2024
Contact: Kim Coons, 706-866-9241, ext. 139

Fort Oglethorpe, GA: On Saturday, May 4, at 2 pm, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park will provide a 45-minute ranger-led presentation discussing Mark Thrash, a local legend in the early years of the national military park. Participants will meet at the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center before traveling onto the battlefield for the talk. Please dress appropriately for the weather and a folding chair might be desirable.

Born enslaved, Mark Thrash gained freedom after the Civil War and worked for the War Department as a laborer at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park from 1894-1922. He was a "living memorial," enticing visitors to travel from across the country to hear his stories. He passed away in 1943 at 122 years old. Come learn more about Mark Thrash and his life’s story.

For more information about programs at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, contact the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center at 706-866-9241, the Lookout Mountain Battlefield Visitor Center at 423-821-7786, or visit the park website at www.nps.gov/chch.