Tree Park in Chattanooga in Hamilton County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
J. A. Smith's Brigade
Cleburne's Division
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 17, 2012
1. J. A. Smith's Brigade Marker
Cleburne's Division
Brig. Gen. James A. Smith.
Col. Hiram B. Granbury.
Nov. 25, 1863.
6th and 10th Texas Infantry - Col. Roger Q. Mills.
15th Texas (Dismounted) Cavalry - Col. Roger Q. Mills.
7th Texas - Col. Hiram B. Granbury.
17th, 18th, 24th and 25th Texas Cavalry (Dismounted) - Maj. William A. Taylor.
The Brigade, being the head of Cleburne's Division, arrived on this ground, from a point on the Ridge south of the Shallow Ford Road, at 2:30 P.M., Nov. 24th. It was ordered to move rapidly and occupy what has since been known as Sherman Heights north of this position. The enemy being found in occupation, Gen. Smith established his line in rifle pits extending from this point northerly along the crest of the Ridge. Later, the Brigade was withdrawn and formed around this knoll leaving space at its north point for Swett's Battery, Lieut. H. Shannon commanding, to enfilade the former line. Mill's regiment formed the left facing westward, and Granbury's and Taylor's continued the line eastward from the Battery. The Brigade maintained its lines throughout the desperate fighting of Nov. 25th, repulsing all attacks, losing Gen. Smith and Col. Mills wounded, capturing four battleflags, aiding in the capture of
this page online
Erected 1890 by the Chickamauga-Chattanooga National Battlefield Commission. (Marker Number MT-386A.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, Sherman Reservation, and the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park: November 25, 1863 series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is October 25, 1957.
Location. 35° 4.127′ N, 85° 14.421′ W. Marker is in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in Hamilton County. It is in Tree Park. Marker can be reached from North Crest Road north of Lightfoot Mill Road. This historic marker is located in the Sherman Reservation, up on the top of the hill called "Tunnel Hill". Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Chattanooga TN 37404, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Swett's Mississippi Battery (here, next to this marker); Cumming's Brigade (here, next to this marker); Confederate Casualties (a few steps from this marker); Calvert's Arkansas Battery (a few steps from this marker); Union Casualties (a few steps from this marker); Maney's Brigade (a few steps from this
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 17, 2012
2. J. A. Smith's Brigade Marker
View of the historic marker (marker on far right) and some of the other markers and cannons, at the Confederate positions, at the top of "Tunnel Hill."
More about this marker. Because of its location in the Sherman Reservation it cannot be reached by car and can only be reached by foot. I would suggest parking your car in the provided parking area on Lightfoot Mill Road and then walking north on the Sherman Reservation footpath that begins near the corner of North Crest Road and Lightfoot Mill Road. The path goes up the slope of the hill, through a wooded area, and emerges on a hill top clearing, where the historic marker is located.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 17, 2012
3. J. A. Smith's Brigade Marker
View of the historic marker, on the northern crest of "Tunnel Hill," looking north, down the ravine and in the direction of the Union positions on the "Sherman Heights."
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 17, 2012
4. J. A. Smith's Brigade Position
View from the Smith's Brigade position on the crest of "Tunnel Hill," looking north across the ravine towards the Union positions on the slopes of the "Sherman Heights.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 17, 2012
5. View of Union Positions
A closer view of the Union positions below the crest of Tunnel Hill where Smith's Brigade was located..
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 17, 2012
6. J. A. Smith's Brigade Marker
View looking south, up the slope of Tunnel Hill, at the location of Smith's Brigade on the crest of the hill. The historic marker can be seen just behind the left cannon.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 11, 2012, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 510 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 11, 2012, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.
