Existing comment:
Each state that provided troops to the armies that brought the battles of Chickamauga and Chattanooga was authorized to erect unit monuments within the national Military Park. Most monuments were paid for with state funds authorized by the state legislature. Some monuments weer paid for by private donations. Most monuments were placed where a regiment or battery was engaged during the battles. Most were erected in 1894 or 1895. Some are simple blocks of stone while others included many detailed, ornate, beautiful, and (unfortunately) fragile elements.
Now over 100 years of age, many of the monuments have suffered the ravages of time, visitors, and vandals. Environmental factors such as freezing and thawing, pollution, and trees falling on the monuments have caused some of the damage. However, most of the damage has been committed by human hands, and feet. Some damage has occurred unintentionally from people climbing on the monuments; some damage has come from those who desire a souvenir; much damage is the result of pure vandalism, committed for whatever reason vandals have when they damage any structure or thing. State seals have been taken, replaced, and taken again; ornamental swords, reins, cannonballs, and guns have been broken free and carried off; entire statues have been toppled from their bases and smashed. A couple of monuments are entirely gone. Almost all show at least some damage. |