Lookout Mountain in Hamilton County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Lookout Mountain

American Revolutionary War Battle

Photographed by R. E. Smith, December 23, 2007

1. American Revolutionary War Battle Marker

Inscription. The Chattanooga area was firmly controlled by the Chickamauga Indians at the time of The American Revolution. The Cherokee Indian chiefs had signed peace and land treaties with the Colonial settlers. However, a small group of rebellious Cherokees were not in accord with these treaties and continued unabated warfare with the expanding settlers. They were called the Chickamaugas and were led by Chief Dragging Canoe. They were actively supported by the British through local agents and traders. The Government of North Carolina authorized a Military Campaign against them in the summer of 1782, pledging Continental Congressional support. Colonel John Sevier organized a force of some of 250 "Nolichucky Riflemen" to pursue the Chickamaugas and to rescue captives. On September 20, 1782, after several minor encounters, Sevier and his men engaged the Chickamaugas in a battle high in the palisades at the north end of Lookout Mountain. The Frontiersmen's accurate rifle fire soon overcame their foes. This was an official Revolutionary War engagement and is considered by many to be the LAST “OVERMOUNTAIN” BATTLE OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
The preliminary signing of the peace treaty ending the Revolution was on November

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30, 1782.

Erected 2007 by John Sevier Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 20, 1782.

Location. 35° 1.124′ N, 85° 20.313′ W. Marker is in Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, in Hamilton County. It is at the intersection of Lookout Mountain Scenic Highway (Tennessee Route 148) and Jo Conn Guild, on the right when traveling north on Lookout Mountain Scenic Highway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Chattanooga TN 37409, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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: Vintage Moments (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Vintage Moments (about 300 feet away); Camp Ross (about 600 feet away); Iowa State Monument (approx. 0.3 miles away); Woods' Brigade (approx. 0.3 miles away); Williamson's Brigade (approx. 0.3 miles away); Osterhaus' Division (approx. 0.3 miles away); 84th Illinois Infantry (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lookout Mountain.

Additional commentary.

Photographed by R. E. Smith, December 23, 2007

2. American Revolutionary War Battle Marker

1. A Letter By My Three-Times Great Grandfather, Dated 1785
My three-times great grandfather, James McDonald, and his son joined the Montgomery Co. N.C. Militia shortly after the war in May 1784. I have a copy of a letter of his to Col. Jo. Martin while he was stationed on Lookout Mountain. It is dated September 6th, 1785.

“Lookout Mountain, Sept. 6th, 1785.

“Sir:
“I received your letter of the 30th instant, and your Talk to the head men which I told them as well as I could, they seemed satisfied, but I believe they would be better pleased to have seen yourself. I am sorry it is inconvenient at present for me to have the satisfaction of seeing you as I have trusted several young fellows that are at present out a hunting and I expect them in soon, and if I was out of their way they might deal with other people.

“I had a Letter a few days ago from the Nation in which I am informed that an Envoy had been appointed by the Court of Spain to Congress, to settle the affairs of the Grand Boundary if they can, and that the Spaniards are Resolved to keep the Americans very high up the great River, and that the Fort at Notchay is in a formidable State. Troops were arriving every day at Pensacola, all

Beginning of Letter from James McDonald to Col. Martin image. Click for full size.

3. Beginning of Letter from James McDonald to Col. Martin

of whom were put on board light vessels and sent to Orleans from thence to all- the ports of the River.

“Upon which they are very strong, at least between 5 and 600 men and about as many more ready on any Emergency to spare from the Towns, Pensacola, Orleans and Mobeil, and that the Courts of Spain have invited 600 families of French people to settle the Notchay and other vacant Land above that, that they had actually arrived in eight Vessels to Orleans, and that there is a number of Americans already taken up at Notchay and sent provisionally to Orleans. The principals of them it is said will be hanged.

“This is all the news I have at present, however anything I can hear that I can put faith in, I shall let you know by the first opportunity, and believe me Sir, I shall never turn Spaniard.

“This is all at present, from, Sir, with true esteem,
“Your most obedient Servant,
“Jas. McDonald.”

This letter is reproduced in the North Carolina State Records, Volume XVII, Page 519. His short resignation letter, dated March 15, 1787 is also in the State Records, Volume XX, along with his son’s letter of resignation dated May 2nd 1787. By 1780 the elder McDonald moved to the newly opened territory of Montgomery

Photographed by R. E. Smith, December 23, 2007

4. American Revolutionary War Battle Marker

County, N.C. He was a school teacher and land speculator, and possibly a farmer, recorded as owning 10 slaves in 1790.

— Submitted March 18, 2008, by Ruth M. Scruggs of Summerville, South Carolina.

Lookout Mountain Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tom Bosse, March 19, 2022

5. Lookout Mountain Marker

Photographed by Tom Bosse, March 19, 2022

6. Lookout Mountain Marker

Photo taken from atop Cavern Castle at Ruby Falls.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 3, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 4, 2008, by R. E. Smith of Nashville, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 8,223 times since then and 216 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 1, 2008, by R. E. Smith of Nashville, Tennessee. 3. submitted on April 8, 2008, by Ruth M. Scruggs of Summerville, South Carolina. 4. submitted on February 1, 2008, by R. E. Smith of Nashville, Tennessee. 5, 6. submitted on January 26, 2026, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.