Ringgold in Catoosa County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Barger Bridge
Mayor Joe Barger
Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, September 25, 2022
1. Barger Bridge Marker
Ringgold Mayor John Joseph "Joe” Barger and his 12 siblings were raised in the farming community of Salisbury, North Carolina. Joe began his college career at North Carolina State University and completed his associate degree in electrical engineering at Southern Tech in Chamblee, Georgia. Joe earned a B.S. degree in Engineering Physics from the University of Chattanooga (now UT-Chattanooga). In 1952, Barger enlisted in the U.S. Army serving in the Security Agency stationed in the Philippines during the Korean War. Joe married Barbara Smith in 1955 and has two children, Curtis and Sandra. During his 39-year tenure at Combustion Engineering (now Alstom Power) in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Joe's welding expertise culminated in 10 U.S. and 75 foreign patents, earning him the title of "Master Inventor". Barger assisted Combustion's customers throughout Europe and Asia with welding projects. Barger is one of the longest serving public officials in Georgia; elected to Ringgold City Council in 1968 then elected Mayor in 1975 and continuously re-elected through 2015. His leadership transformed Ringgold into a thriving community. Barger's many projects included a new City Hall in 1999, improved stormwater infrastructure to reduce flooding, streetscaping, sewer and water expansion for residents and
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Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Science & Medicine.
Location. 34° 54.902′ N, 85° 6.458′ W. Marker is in Ringgold, Georgia, in Catoosa County. Marker is on Depot Street, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 155 Depot St, Ringgold GA 30736, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Ringgold Depot (a few steps from this marker); Western & Atlantic Depot (a few steps from this marker); The Great Locomotive Chase (within shouting distance of this marker); Battle of Chickamauga (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Actions At Ringgold (approx. 0.2 miles away); Catoosa County War Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Confederate Hospitals (approx. 0.2 miles away); Catoosa County (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ringgold.
Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, September 25, 2022
2. Barger Bridge Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 14, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 4, 2022, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 144 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 4, 2022, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
