Until they get all the kinks worked out on a time traveling machine, you have November 23 in Chattanooga. History buffs won’t want to miss this historic weekend, where you can churn butter like the pioneers, watch Union and Confederate soldiers face off at Point Park or follow Sherman’s crossing of the Tennessee River, which helped end the battles for Chattanooga. The best part? No flux capacitor needed.
Until they get all the kinks worked out on a time traveling machine, you have November 23 in Chattanooga. History buffs won’t want to miss this historic weekend, where you can churn butter like the pioneers, watch Union and Confederate soldiers face off at Point Park or follow Sherman’s crossing of the Tennessee River, which helped end the battles for Chattanooga. The best part? No flux capacitor needed.
Battles of Chattanooga Living History and Tours
November 22-24, times vary
Free and paid events
Nationally renowned speakers, authors, historians, park rangers and reenactors will all convene to create a notable weekend for Civil War enthusiasts. Celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Battles of Chattanooga – some events occurring on the actual day – you have the opportunity to watch Civil War medical demonstrations, artillery fire, telegraph/signaling demonstrations, engineering/pioneer programs and cannon firings.
Walking tours of the battlefields with Park Historian Jim Ogden will make the events come to life, and reenactors will literally ascend Lookout Mountain as they did in the Battle Above the Clouds. The weekend kicks off Friday evening with Dr. Earl Hess, renowned professor of history at Lincoln Memorial University, giving a talk at McCallie’s Walker Theatre.
On Saturday and Sunday, author Brad Quinlen will be holding a book signing from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Eastern National Bookstore across from Point Park. Numerous other events are happening on key battlefields across the city including Point Park, Missionary Ridge, Orchard Knob, Smith Hill/Bald Hill, Cravens House and more. These are the last commemorative events of the Civil War’s 150th anniversary. Check the website for a detailed itinerary.
Walker Farm Pioneer Days
November 23, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
$5 per ticket
If you’ve ever yearned to return to the “simpler days” before technology, a trip to Audubon Acres on November 23 may change your mind. Watch and participate in the daily activities of pioneer life such as churning butter, cutting wood with a cross cut saw, washing laundry by hand, shucking corn, rope making, operating a cider press and cooking in a Dutch oven. Aimed at elementary students, the event allows little ones a taste of life in the late 1800’s, learning the significance of each task. Now in its second year, Pioneer Days targets school groups during the week (up to 1,600 students), while attracting families and other large groups, such as retirement communities on Saturday.
