Did you know that Sgt. Alvin C. York had a direct connection to the Civil War? Did you know that Fentress County was part of the Knoxville Campaign of August 1863? Did you know that there was a Confederate training camp in the Wolf River Valley? You can learn about these questions and more at "The Ascension of the Cumberlands: Burnside’s March Through Wolf River Country" program on Saturday, August 23rd. During the evening hours of the 23rd, park staff and volunteers will be hosting a living history event showcasing the XXIII Army Corps and the Knoxville Campaign. You will follow the path the XXIII Army Corps wagon train took as they marched through the Wolf River Valley from August 23rd-27th, 1863. The event will consist of a 2-mile journey along the banks of the Wolf River, which will also highlight important events of the valley throughout the Civil War.
The first part of the journey will consist of a hike down a quiet road that dates to the Civil War period. The rest of the journey will be accomplished via wagons. Along the route, your tour guide will stop at various points to discuss the Knoxville Campaign. They will talk about the guerilla warfare that killed both Union and Confederate sympathizers in Pall Mall from 1862-1865. The program will also discuss the Wolf River Gristmill and Camp McGinnis, two valley sites that are important to the Civil War. Soldiers will march along the route and help recreate the scene that took place here 162 years ago.
The event will begin at the information kiosk next to the Wolf River Gristmill. Admission to the event is $15.00 and spots are limited. If you have any questions about the event, please contact the park at (931) 879-6456.
Event Document: Essential Eligibility Criteria
Program Host: Alec Parsons
Contact Email: alec.parsons@tn.gov
Contact Phone: (931) 879-6456
Meeting Place: Wolf River Gristmill
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