Near Fort Oglethorpe in Walker County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Mark Thrash
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 26, 2017
1. Mark Thrash Marker
=====================
This former slave served the
National Military Park
for 28 years
During the early 1900s a two-room log cabin stood not far from here. This was the home of Mark Thrash, known locally as "Uncle Mark." The cabin no longer exists.
Uncle Mark was born a slave on Christmas day in 1820 near Charlottesville, Virginia. His owner, Dr. Christopher Thrash, brought Mark to Georgia to help clear land.
Mark began working for the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park in 1894 and was a dedicated laborer and interpreter until his retirement in 1922 at the age of 101. Park visitors enjoyed Uncle Mark's recollections of historical events which went as far back as the presidency of John Quincy Adams.
Married five times during his long life, Uncle Mark was the father of 29 children. He died here on December 17, 1943, at the age of 123.
Erected by the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Parks & Recreational Areas • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #06 John Quincy Adams series list. A significant historical date for this entry is December 17, 1943.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Longstreet's Headquarters Shell Monument (a few steps from this marker); Hospital, 1st Division, 14th Corps Union Army (within shouting distance of this marker); Battery M, 1st Ohio Light Artillery (approx. 0.2 miles away); Rout of the Union Right (approx. 0.2 miles away); Battery G, 1st Ohio Light Artillery (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Battery G, 1st Ohio Light Artillery (approx. 0.2 miles away); 15th Pennsylvania Cavalry (approx. 0.2 miles away); Rosecrans' Headquarters Shell Monument (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Oglethorpe.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 26, 2017
2. Mark Thrash Marker
A close-up view of a photograph from the panel marker, with a caption that states, "Uncle Mark Thrash on the porch of his cabin which once stood near here."
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 26, 2017
3. Mark Thrash Marker
A close-up view of another photograph from the panel marker, with a caption that states, "Uncle Mark Thrash wearing the coat reportedly presented to him by Union General Ulysses S. Grant."
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 26, 2017
4. Mark Thrash Marker
View of the backside of the featured panel marker, looking north from the Dyer roadway, with a view of the shell monument situated directly behind the featured panel marker.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 26, 2017
5. Mark Thrash Marker
View looking south of the shell monument and the featured panel marker directly behind it, with a background view of the Dyer Road and a nearby designated parking area.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 26, 2017
6. Mark Thrash Marker
View of the panel marker situated a few feet north of the Dyer Road.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 17, 2019. It was originally submitted on August 16, 2017, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 675 times since then and 76 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 16, 2017, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. 6. submitted on August 17, 2017, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.
