Special Programs and Exhibits to Highlight New Park Film

Date: September 3, 2013
Contact: Kim Coons, 423-752-5213 x139

Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park invites the public to participate in special programs highlighting historical figures in the new park orientation film, "The Campaign for Chattanooga: Death Knell of the Confederacy," on September 21-22, 2013, as part of the commemorative programs associated with the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Chickamauga. 

Lieutenant Joshua Callaway, Lieutenant George Van Pelt, and General Benjamin Helm play prominent roles in the new film as visitors follow their lives through the tragic occurrences that took place during the Campaign for Chattanooga in 1863. Visitors are encouraged to come and experience their stories of bravery and sacrifice during the fighting at Chickamauga. The 90-minute tours and times following their actions are as follows: 

Saturday, September 21

10:30 a.m. - Joshua Callaway and the 28th Alabama on September 19, 1863

12:30 p.m. - George Van Pelt and the 1st Michigan Battery on September 19, 1863 

Sunday, September 22

10:30 a.m. - Benjamin Helm and the Orphan Brigade on September 20, 1863 12:30 p.m. - The 1st Michigan Battery on September 20, 1863

2:30 p.m. - Joshua Callaway and the 28th Alabama on September 20, 1863   

In addition to the film-related tours, exhibits highlighting George Van Pelt's 1st Michigan Light Artillery Battery will be at the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center throughout the weekend. Visitors are encouraged to view historic items and photographs of battery members and view one of the original cannon used by the battery during the Battle of Chickamauga! 

Finally, for those visitors interested in learning about the horsepower it took to move these powerful artillery pieces and the other roles horses and mules played during the battle,  a 2-hour walking tour entitled "Four-Legged Soldiers: Horses and Mules in the Civil War" will take place on Sunday, September 22 at 11:30 a.m. 

All of these tours are free and open to the public and will begin at the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center. Please dress appropriately for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and bring a bottle of water.