Staff Report
The Battle of Tunnel Hill will be commemorated this weekend on grounds surrounding the historic Clisby Austin House in Tunnel Hill. From cannon blasts to horse charges, re-enactors will try to bring the Civil War battles to life for visitors.
According to historians with the Tunnel Hill Heritage Center, the antebellum-style Clisby Austin House served as a hospital during the Battle of Chickamauga.
Confederate Gen. John Hood was sent there to recuperate after the amputation of his leg. The limb was sent on the journey with him, so that it could be buried with him in case he died. The leg was later buried near the house.
The house also served as headquarters for William Sherman during the Battle of Dalton, and it has been said that the Union general planned the final leg of the Atlanta campaign strategy from the property.
In addition to battle re-enactments, visitors will find sutlers’ tents, concessions, entertainment, encampments, and displays from the heritage center and historic Western & Atlantic Railroad Tunnel.
Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children 6-12 and free for children under 6.
Hours are from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, with battles beginning at 2 p.m. each day.
For more information, visit www.tunnelhillheritagecenter.com.