African American History Month Events at Chickamauga Battlefield

Date: February 7, 2008

In commemoration of African American History Month, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park Superintendent Shawn Benge invites the public to attend special events honoring the contributions of African Americans in Chattanooga during the Civil War.

From 9:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. local author Rita Lurraine Hubbard will be available to sign “African Americans of Chattanooga: A History of Unsung Heroes”, her recently published book that chronicles the contributions of African Americans in shaping the city of Chattanooga.

From 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. the 44th United States Colored Troops (USTC) Infantry Regiment Living History Group will present programs discussing the accomplishments of this successful Civil War Regiment. These programs will also include musket firing demonstrations.

The 44th United States Colored Troops Infantry Regiment was organized on April 7, 1864 in Chattanooga, consisting of former slaves from seceding states including Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee. While serving post and garrison duties in Chattanooga, the Regiment assisted in General Sherman’s 1864 offensive into Georgia, which lead to the fall of Atlanta in September. The soldiers then saw battle action in Dalton in October and during the Battle of Nashville in December, followed by their pursuit of Confederate General John Bell Hood’s soldiers to the Tennessee River. The Regiment served post and garrison duty in Chattanooga during1865 and 1866.

For additional information call the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center at [phone].