Tree Park in Chattanooga in Hamilton County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
53rd Ohio Infantry
Cockerill's Brigade
— Ewing's Division —
Cockerill's Brigade, Ewing's Division, 15th Corps.
Colonel Wells S. Jones.
November 25, 1863
On the morning of November 24th, this Regiment with its Brigade crossed the Tennessee River and advancing with General Sherman's column in the afternoon, occupied the ridge beyond the north end of Missionary Ridge without opposition.
During the 25th, the Regiment supported a battery which was engaged with the enemy's artillery on Tunnel Hill. On the 26th, the regiment took part in the pursuit as far as Graysville.
The Regiment suffered no loss.
Erected 1908 by the State of Ohio. (Marker Number MT-290.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, Sherman Reservation, and the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park: November 25, 1863 series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is November 25, 1875.
Location. 35° 4.291′ N, 85° 14.352′ W. Marker is in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in Hamilton County. It is in Tree Park. Marker can be reached from North Crest Road north of Lightfoot Mill Road. This historic marker (tablet) is located in the Sherman Reservation, up on the hill called the "Sherman Heights," and is situated northwest of the Iowa monument, near the top of the hill. According to the location information provided by the National Park Service, this is a, “Bronze Tablet Marker located along Missionary Ridge at the Sherman Reservation/1934 Map 52-41". Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Chattanooga TN 37406, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Cockerill's Brigade (here, next to this marker); 70th Ohio Infantry (here, next to this marker); Army of the Tennessee (a few steps from this marker); Earthworks (a few steps from this marker); 55th Illinois Infantry (a few steps from this marker); 6th U.S. Missouri Infantry (a few steps from this marker); 8th U.S. Missouri Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker); 57th Ohio Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chattanooga.
More about this marker. Because of its location in the Sherman Reservation it cannot be reached by car and can only be reached by foot. I would suggest parking your car in the provided parking area on Lightfoot Mill Road and then walking north on North Crest Road. You will reach a spot on this road where there is a locked gate barring further vehicle traffic on the road, but not foot traffic. Continue to walk all the way to the end of North Crest Road. Once there you will see a pathway that goes from the end of the road to the center of the gorge that separates "Tunnel Hill" to your south and "Sherman Heights" to your north. This historic marker is to the north on "Sherman Heights."
According to the description information provided by the National Park Service, the marker is a, “3' x 2' bronze inscription tablet with decorative border mounted on low marble pedestal. Describes the unit's activities on November 25, 1863.”
Also, according to the National Park Service, the "Bronze plaque stolen in 1994," and then, "Rehabilitated in 2012."
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 10, 2013, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 720 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on December 11, 2013, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.