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.
Location. 35° 0.759′ N, 85° 20.629′ W. Marker is in Lookout Click for map. 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. Marker is in this post office area: Lookout Mountain TN 37350, United States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Cobham's Brigade (here, next to this marker); Lookout Valley and Browns Ferry (here, next to this marker); 29th Pennsylvania Infantry (a few steps from this marker); Battle Above the Clouds (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); Point Hotel (a few steps from this marker); Union Occupation of the Summit (a few steps from this marker). Click for a list of all markers in Lookout Mountain.
Categories. • War, US Civil •
Credits. This page originally submitted on , by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 303 times since then and 51 times this year. Last updated on , by J. Makali Bruton of San Salvador, El Salvador. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on , by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016.