Chattanooga Secures $973,527 to Protect Wauhatchie Battlefield

The National Park Service grant will preserve 30 acres of the historic Civil War site.

Mar. 25, 2026 at 11:16pm

The National Park Service has awarded the city of Chattanooga, Tennessee $973,527 to protect 30 acres of the Wauhatchie Battlefield. The American Battlefield Trust partnered on the purchase, and will convey a protective easement to the Tennessee Historical Commission. While the land will not become part of the Chickamauga Park, it does contain several small reservations related to the Civil War battle that took place there.

Why it matters

The Wauhatchie Battlefield is an important historical site that witnessed a key Civil War engagement in 1863. Preserving this land ensures the site's legacy is protected for future generations to learn about and appreciate the region's rich history.

The details

The 30-acre property is located near the Tennessee River, close to where the old Brown's Ferry once operated at the end of Brown's Ferry Road. The National Park Service grant, along with the partnership of the American Battlefield Trust, will allow the city to acquire the land and place a protective easement on it through the Tennessee Historical Commission.

  • The National Park Service awarded the $973,527 grant in March 2026.

The players

National Park Service

A federal agency that manages the country's national parks, monuments, and other protected lands.

American Battlefield Trust

A nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving America's historic battlefields and educating the public about their significance.

Tennessee Historical Commission

A state agency that works to identify, protect, and promote the historical and archaeological resources of Tennessee.

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The takeaway

This preservation effort demonstrates the ongoing commitment to safeguarding Chattanooga's rich Civil War history and ensuring these important sites are protected for future generations to explore and learn from.