Wheeler's Crossing
"A ford which they made for themselves"
In the early morning hours of September 30, Wheeler and his men attempted several crossings at fords and shoals southwest of here. The efforts failed until he enlisted Washington resident Lt. William G. Allen, 5th (McKenzie's) Tennessee Cavalry, as a guide. Allen led the corps to Kelly's Shoals, about seven miles southwest of here, where Wheeler took advantage of difficult terrain and darkness and crossed the river. Union Gen. George Crook, who led his cavalry brigade in pursuit, reported that "the rebels crossed last night in heavy force at a ford which they made for themselves".
Wheeler moved through the valley for several days, clashing periodically with Crook, and disputed the Federal supply line. The harassment was only temporary and could not be sustained, especially after Union Gen. Ulysses Grant assumed command and forced open the supply
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(captions)
Gen. Joseph Wheeler
Gen. George Crook
Cavalry Charge All images courtesy Library of Congress
Erected by Tennessee Civil War Trails.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee Civil War Trails series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 19, 1863.
Location. 35° 30.889′ N, 84° 47.379′ W. Marker is in Decatur, Tennessee, in Meigs County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street and East Memorial Drive, on the left when traveling north on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Decatur TN 37322, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Meigs County War Memorial (here, next to this marker); Decatur United Methodist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Washington Ferry (approx. 5.1 miles away); a different marker also named Washington Ferry (approx. 5.7 miles away); David Campbell Memorial (approx. 6.6 miles away); Town of Washington, Tennessee (approx. 6.8 miles away); Watts Bar Turbine (approx. 7.3 miles away); Watts Bar (approx. 7.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Decatur.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 31, 2021, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 286 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 31, 2021, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
