A Visit to Point Park, 8/14/2018

Point Park is a unit of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Battlefield that is located atop Lookout Mountain. The Visitor Center provides information about the battle fought on the slopes of Lookout Mountain.

Six battles in 1863 led to the Union victory and control of Chattanooga:

• September 18-20, Battle of Chickamauga
• September 22-November 23, Siege of Chattanooga
• Late October, Union Army Reinforcements arrive
• November 23, Battle of Orchard Knob
• November 24, Battle of Lookout Mountain 
• November 25, Battled of Missionary Ridge

The impressive entrance (gate and adjoining wall) was built by the US Army Corp of Engineers and was completed in 1905. 

Point Park is a 10-acre memorial park that overlooks the Lookout Mountain Battlefield and the city of Chattanooga. Paved walkways lead to the primary monument, the New York Peace Memorial, a tribute to peace and reconciliation between the Union and Confederacy. 

An overlook near the monument provides views of Chattanooga and the Tennessee River 1,300’ below. 

Umbrella Rock, an unusual geological formation, is just west of Point Lookout. Many visitors have had their pictures taken here for many years (so, of course, I had to take one of John and Sadie!)

We followed this path to Point Lookout where the Ochs Memorial Observatory is located. 

Moccasin Bend, named for its shoe-like shape, can be seen clearly from the point. 

In the small Ochs Museum are period photos, information about Moccasin Bend National Archaeological District, and a display about signaling protocols during the Civil War battles here. 

Because of the mountain and many ridges in the area, signaling (using flags) was heavily used for communications by both Confederate and Union armies. This point was one of the signal stations in 1863. 

Hiking trails on Lookout Mountain can be accessed from a walkway below Lookout Point. 

As we made our way back to the mountain top, we came to this overlook that was originally held by the Confederates. Lookout Valley can be seen below. Our sweet doggie, Sadie, always enjoys a good view! By the end of the battle, the Union forces (who heavily outnumbered the Confederate troops) were victorious. 

Admission to Point Park is $7/adult. With our senior pass, there is no charge. We found parking on the street. For additional information about Point Park, go to www.nps.gov/chch.