Lookout Mountain in Hamilton County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Tennessee River and Moccasin Bend
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 18, 2012
1. Tennessee River and Moccasin Bend Marker
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°
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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 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.
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 here, next to this marker but has been confirmed missing); Battle of Chattanooga, 1st Day, Nov. 23 (was here, next to this marker but has been confirmed missing); Battle of Chattanooga, 2d Day, Nov. 24
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 18, 2012
2. Tennessee River and Moccasin Bend Marker
Close-up view of the text on the historic marker.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 18, 2012
3. Tennessee River and Moccasin Bend Marker
Close-up view of the picture displayed on the historic marker.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 18, 2012
4. Tennessee River and Moccasin Bend Marker
View of the historic marker affixed to the retaining wall surrounding the museum observation deck, with a distant view of the Tennessee River and Moccasin Bend in the background.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 18, 2012
5. Tennessee River and Moccasin Bend Marker
View of the historic marker looking east across the observation deck.
Photographed by Dale K. Benington, July 18, 2012
6. Tennessee River and Moccasin Bend Marker
View of the Tennessee River and Moccasin Bend, as seen from the museum observation deck.
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 868 times since then and 27 times this year. Last updated on March 20, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. 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.
