Signal Mountain in Hamilton County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Civil War Signaling
| | With flags and torches, signalmen passed the word | |
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, September 24, 2013
1. Civil War Signaling Marker
When Confederate forces laid siege to Chattanooga in late September 1863, they cut off telegraph lines leading into the city. The Federals, in order to move messages from Chattanooga to their supply base in Bridgeport, Alabama, established a series of signal stations. One of those stations was here at Signal Point.
Messages relayed here from Bridgeport were flashed to Stringers Ridge (upriver to your left) and then on to Cameron Hill in the city. By this means, the Federals received news of reinforcements and supplies coming to their relief. When the siege was broken in late October, the signal stations diminished in importance.
The U.S. Army Signal Corps, established during the Civil War, operated the stations. Signals were sent by waving square flags or torches. Flag-waving patterns represented numbers. By using secret codes, number combinations could be translated into letters to form words. Observers used telescopes and binoculars for long-range viewing.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Vexillology series list. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1863.
Location. 35°
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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 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Boats on the Tennessee (a few steps from this marker); Attack at Suck Creek (approx. 0.7 miles away); Charles H. Coolidge (approx. 1.1 miles away); a different marker also named Charles H. Coolidge (approx. 1.1 miles away); Union Army Hospital (approx. 3.6 miles away); Reinforcing Chattanooga (approx. 4 miles away); Sherman's Hideout (approx. 4.2 miles away); Wilder's Artillery Position (approx. 4.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Signal Mountain.
Other markers no longer nearby. Williams' Island (was approx. 3.3 miles away but has been confirmed missing); Stringer's Ridge (was approx. 4.1 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, September 24, 2013
2. Civil War Signaling Marker
View of the historical marker, situated on the crest of Signal Mountain, overlooking the Tennessee River Valley, at the federal park.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, September 24, 2013
3. Civil War Signaling Marker
Another view of the historical marker, situated on the crest of Signal Mountain, overlooking the Tennessee River Valley, with a view of the river in the valley below.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, September 24, 2013
4. Civil War Signaling Marker
A distant view of the historical marker situated on the crest of Signal Point, overlooking the Tennessee River Valley.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, September 24, 2013
5. Civil War Signaling Marker
A view of the park's path that leads down to the location of the historical marker at Signal Point.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, September 24, 2013
6. Signal Point, Park Sign
Photographed by Brandon Fletcher, June 7, 2008
7. Tennessee River from Signal Point
Looking toward Chattanooga
Photographed by Brandon Fletcher, June 7, 2008
8. Tennessee River from Signal Point
Looking in direction in which the Tennessee flows away from Chattanooga.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 27, 2013, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,483 times since then and 72 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on September 27, 2013, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. 7, 8. submitted on August 9, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee.
