Lookout Mountain in Hamilton County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Tennessee River and Moccasin Bend
Here the Tennessee River makes a sweeping, clockwise loop around Moccasin Bend. In 1863, vital supplies were brought to the besieged Federals in Chattanooga across the "neck" of Moccasin Bend, using pontoon bridges at the two river crossings.
Union forces opened a supply line into the besieged city of Chattanooga in late October 1863. Known as the "Cracker Line," it brought the weary Federals ammunition and food, including the soldier's staple - "hardtack" crackers.
The newly appointed Union commander, Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, prepared to fight as reinforcements arrived. Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker's detachment arrived in early October, and Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman's in mid-November.
In the face of this Union build-up, Gen. Braxton Bragg, commander of the Confederate army, committed a costly error. He sent a portion of his army off to attack Union troops at Knoxville, thereby weakening his grip on Chattanooga.
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 October 1863.
Location. 35° 0.757′ N, 85° 20.629′ W. Marker is in Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, in Hamilton County. Marker can be reached from Point Park Road north of East Brow Road. This historic marker is located in Point Park, atop Lookout Mountain, at the Ochs Museum, on the museum observation deck, at the point of Lookout Mountain. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lookout Mountain TN 37350, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lookout Valley and Browns Ferry (here, next to this marker); Cobham's Brigade (here, next to this marker); Battle Above the Clouds (here, next to this marker); 29th Pennsylvania Infantry (a few steps from this marker); Chattanooga and Missionary Ridge (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); Lookout Mountain Trails (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lookout Mountain.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 1, 2017. It was originally submitted on August 30, 2012, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 623 times since then and 9 times this year. Last updated on March 20, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 30, 2012, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.