Lookout Mountain in Hamilton County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Lookout Valley and Browns Ferry
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 18, 2012
1. Lookout Valley and Browns Ferry Marker
to the northwest
From this commanding viewpoint 1,300 feet above the river, you can see many of the historic areas associated with the Battles for Chattanooga in 1863. Among these features are Lookout Valley and Browns Ferry through which the Federals opened a vital supply line, weakening the Confederate siege of Chattanooga.
In late September 1863, the Confederate army under Gen. Braxton Bragg laid siege to the city, trapping the Union army defeated at Chickamauga. The Confederates, positioned here on Lookout Mountain and at other key points surrounding the city, hoped to starve the Federals into submission.
At 3 a.m. on October 27, Union soldiers cast off from Chattanooga in pontoon boats and floated secretly down the river. At Browns Ferry they landed and routed the Confederate pickets. The following day they linked up with Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker's Union forces who were moving up Lookout Valley to relieve the city. A Union supply line was thus opened, and the Confederate strangle-hold on the city was broken.
Erected by Chickamauga-Chattanooga National Military Park.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1863.
Location.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Tennessee River and Moccasin Bend (here, next to this marker); Cobham's Brigade (here, next to this marker); Battle Above the Clouds (a few steps from this marker); Lookout Mountain Trails (a few steps from this marker); Chattanooga and Missionary Ridge (a few steps from this marker); 29th Pennsylvania Infantry (a few steps from this marker); 111th Pennsylvania Infantry (a few steps from this marker); Battle of Missionary Ridge (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lookout Mountain.
Other markers no longer nearby. Battle of Wauhatchie (was here, next to this marker but has been confirmed missing); Re-Opening the Tennessee River (was a few steps from this marker but has been confirmed missing); Battle of Chattanooga, 1st Day, Nov. 23 (was a few steps from this marker but has been confirmed missing); Battle of Chattanooga, 2d Day, Nov. 24
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 18, 2012
2. Lookout Valley and Browns Ferry Marker
Close up view of the picture on the historic marker.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 18, 2012
3. Lookout Valley and Browns Ferry Marker
View of the historic marker on the observation deck retaining wall, with a view of Lookout Valley in the distant background.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 18, 2012
4. Lookout Valley and Browns Ferry Marker
View of the historic marker at the western end of the museum observation deck.
Photographed by Bradley Owen, October 27, 2022
5. Site of Historic Browns Ferry
View is from the west side of the Tennessee River looking towards Lookout Mountain. Here Union soldiers landed and routed the Confederate pickets.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 29, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 29, 2012, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,366 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 30, 2012, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. 5. submitted on October 27, 2022, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
