Three homes steeped in Civil War history plan Christmas open houses this weekend.
Cravens House on Lookout Mountain will be open this weekend only, while the Gordon Lee Mansion in Chickamauga, Ga., and the Marsh House in LaFayette, Ga., plan recurring events. A fourth historic site, the Chief Vann House in Chatsworth, Ga., will be open the weekend of Dec. 9-10.
CRAVENS HOUSE
* Where: 110 Point Park Road, Lookout Mountain.
* What to expect: Part of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, Cravens House will be decorated in a manner similar to the Civil War era. Visitors will learn about some of the experiences of Union and Confederate soldiers and their families after the Battles for Chattanooga.
* What to know: In late 1863, only a skeleton of the once vibrant dwelling still stood, forcing the Cravens family to spend Christmas away from home. Union soldiers and war correspondents camping on Lookout Mountain had stripped the home of its wood for tent flooring, firewood and souvenirs.
* When to go: 6-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 2-3. Tours begin every 30 minutes. Reservations are required.
* Admission: Free tours of the house, but $5 charge to enter Point Park for ages 16 and older.
* Reservations: 423-821-7786.
Historic Gordon-Lee Mansion is the site of the Blue & Gray Barbecue and Festival in Chickamauga, Ga.GORDON-LEE MANSION
* Where: 217 Cove Road, Chickamauga, Ga.
* What to expect: Self-guided candlelight tours will showcase decor typical of the antebellum period, including wreaths and garlands handmade from fresh flowers and greenery. Musicians will play period tunes, and homemade cookies and hot apple cider will be served in the warming kitchen.
* What to know: The grounds were home to the Cherokee Courthouse before the Trail of Tears, and it is one of few remaining structures used by both Union and Confederate forces during the Battle of Chickamauga in September 1863. Union Gen. William Rosecrans used the parlor of the home as his headquarters during that battle, and soldiers from both sides were treated in the field hospital in the house and on the grounds. In 1889, 14,000 Civil War veterans returned to the site for the historic Blue-Gray Barbecue, where the decision was made to form the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park.
* When to go: 6-8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Dec. 2-3 and 9-10.
* Admission: $5 adults, $1 children.
* Information: 423-488-0861, www.friendsofthegordonleemansion.org.
The Marsh House in LaFayette welcomes actors from Hollywood and New York to the set of "The Crickets Dance."MARSH HOUSE
* Where: 308 N. Main St., LaFayette, Ga.
* What to expect: "Christmas Eve 1890: Years of Prosperity" is the theme for these candlelight tours, which will offer historically accurate reenactments by actors in period dress.
* What to know: This antebellum home sits across from Chattooga Academy/John B. Gordon Hall, where Confederate Gen. Braxton Bragg planned the Battle of Chickamauga. Union soldiers occupied the Marsh House during the war and left behind blood-soaked floors and hoof prints in the main hall.
* When to go: 6-8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18. If you can't make it to the candlelight tours, the Marsh House is also open 1:30-3:30 p.m. each Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Photos with Santa will be made 1:30-5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11.
* Admission: $5 adults, $1 children.
* Information: 706-638-5187, www.marshhouseoflafayette.com.