Chattanooga in Hamilton County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Crossing into History
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, August 5, 2014
1. Crossing into History Marker
Trail of Tears
In 1838, nearly 2,000 Cherokee, their enslaved Africans, and others stopped at Brown's Ferry (a few yards to your left) and gazed across the Tennessee River toward the landing on the opposite bank. They must have been consumed with various thoughts.
Perhaps their minds drifted to memories of times gone by or of the homes, farms, and lives they left behind. As they climbed into the boat to be ferried across the river, this place became a significant part of their journey.
Civil War
The majority of Confederates guarding the far ferry landing in the pre-dawn darkness of October 27, 1863, slept soundly. Suddenly, more than a thousand blue-clad soldiers seemed to burst forth from the river, exiting their pontoon boats and scattering the Southern soldiers (inset). This act of bravery opened the way for supplies to reach starving Union soldiers in Chattanooga. The life-sustaining supply line would forever be known as "The Cracker Line."
Erected by Friends of Moccasin Bend National Park (through a grant by the Lyndhurst Foundation).
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans • Roads & Vehicles
this page online
Location. 35° 3.378′ N, 85° 20.4′ W. Marker is in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in Hamilton County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Pineville Road and Manufacturers Road, on the right when traveling south. This marker is located inside of the Moccasin Bend National Archaeological District, at the western end of the walking trail, along the east bank of the river. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Chattanooga TN 37405, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Finding a Hidden Treasure (approx. 0.2 miles away); A "Trace" of the Past (approx. half a mile away); Brown's Ferry Federal Road (approx. half a mile away); Industrial Heritage (approx. one mile away); Urban Renewal (approx. one mile away); John Brown's Ferry Tavern, 1803 (approx. 1.2 miles away); Re-Opening the Tennessee River (approx. 1.3 miles away); Negley's and Wilder's Demonstrations Against Chattanooga (approx. 1.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chattanooga.
More about this marker. This marker is the fourth and final marker, in a series of four
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, August 5, 2014
2. Crossing into History Marker
Close-up view, that is displayed on the marker, of an image from, Harper's Weekly: A Journal of Civilization, showing Union troops moving on the Confederate position at Brown's Ferry using pontoon boats.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, August 5, 2014
3. Crossing into History Marker
Distant view of the marker, looking west along the walking trail, with the ridge-line on the opposite bank of the Tennessee River in the far background.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, August 5, 2014
4. Crossing into History Marker
View of the marker, looking west along the walking trail, with the opposite bank of the Tennessee River in the background.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, August 5, 2014
5. Crossing into History Marker
View of the marker, looking southwest, with the marker being situated at the western end of the trail and the Tennessee River in the background.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, August 5, 2014
6. Crossing into History Marker
View of the backside of the marker, looking east along the walking trail, back the direction of the starting point for the walking trail.
Photographed By Dale K. Benington, August 5, 2014
7. Crossing into History Marker
View of the marker, looking southwest, directly across the Tennessee River, towards the west bank side of the historic Brown's Ferry (located at the low point in the far ridge).
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 10, 2015, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 547 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on June 10, 2015, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.
