War Comes to the Brothertons Marker

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Near Fort Oglethorpe in Catoosa County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

War Comes to the Brothertons
The great battle raged around this family farm

War Comes to the Brothertons Marker Photo, Click for full size

By Dale K. Benington, June 6, 2009

1. War Comes to the Brothertons Marker

Inscription. At the time of the Battle of Chickamauga, George and Mary Brotherton and their children lived in a log house here. In the surrounding fields they grazed cattle and grew corn and hay. To escape the battle, some of the Brothertons and other local families took refuge in a ravine about a mile from here. There they endured hunger and cold, and prayed for their boys serving in the Confederate army.

Tom Brotherton, one of the sons, played a key role in the battle. Because Tom “knew every pig trail through these woods,” General Longstreet, commander of the Confederate left wing, employed him as a scout. Tom served with pride, telling his brother Jim, “It’s a sorry lad that won’t fight for his own home.” Jim Brotherton also fought for the South.

After the battle, Adaline Brotherton, the youngest daughter, returned to the cabin in search of food. Finding four of their cows who had miraculously survived the battle, she prepared milk for the refugee families. However, the hundreds of wounded Union and Confederate soldiers she saw here aroused her sympathy, and she gave the milk to them.

Erected by Chickamauga-Chattanooga National Battlefield Park.

Location. 34° 55.04′ N, 85°

By Dale K. Benington, June 6, 2009

2. War Comes to the Brothertons Marker

View looking to the west of the historical marker in the foreground and the Brotherton Cabin in the background.

15.684′ W. Marker is near Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, in Catoosa County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Lafayette Road and Dryer Road. Click for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fort Oglethorpe GA 30742, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, as the crow flies. 74th Ohio Infantry (approx. 0.2 miles away); 21st Regiment (approx. 0.3 miles away); VanDerveer’s Brigade. (approx. 0.9 miles away); 22nd Michigan - Infantry (approx. 0.9 miles away); Whitaker’s Brigade. (approx. 0.9 miles away); 21st Ohio Infantry (approx. 0.9 miles away); 84th Regiment (approx. 0.9 miles away); Field Headquarters 21st Army Corps (approx. 2.4 miles away). Click for a list of all markers in Fort Oglethorpe.