History lessons on land or water

Are you interested in taking a kayak tour that follows the same route as the U.S. soldiers who opened the famous Cracker Line during the Civil War?

Two events are offered by the National Park Service this weekend that will give participants a chance to get out and enjoy the area’s beautiful natural scenery while learning a little more about the city’s history.

KAYAK TOUR FROM CHATTANOOGA TO BROWN’S FERRY

When: 9 a. m.-1 p. m. Friday, Aug. 31

Where: Directions to the launch site will be given with reservation confirmation. Admission: Free For more information: 423-643-6888

Are you interested in taking a kayak tour that follows the same route as the U.S. soldiers who opened the famous Cracker Line during the Civil War?

National Park Partners and Friends of Outdoor Chattanooga are sponsoring a 4- hour kayak tour with a ranger Friday. Participants will paddle down the Tennessee River, around the tip of Moccasin Bend, while learning about the supply line that helped lift the Confederate siege of Chattanooga.

Participants must be age 14 or older and know how to swim.

Outdoor Chattanooga and the National Park Service reserve the right to cancel the trip at their discretion, due to weather or water conditions. Participants will be notified as soon as possible if there is a cancellation, with a rain date of Sept. 7. If you must cancel your reservation, do so with a minimum of 24 hours notice.

To make a reservation, email info@outdoorchattanooga.com.

PREPARING FOR BATTLE: THE CONFEDERATES ABANDON CHATTANOOGA

When: 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 1; 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 2 Where: Point Park, 110 Point Park Road, Lookout Mountain Admission: $ 7 ages 16 and older

For more information: 423-752-5213

The 16th Alabama Living History Regiment will conduct Infantry demons t rati ons f or visitors during a living history encampment at Point Park.

Programs are scheduled at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m., 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. on Saturday. Programs are at 10: 30 and 11: 30 a. m., 1: 30 and 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

After being outmaneuvered from Middle Tennessee in summer 1863, the Confederate Army of Tennessee occupied and began fortifying the city of Chattanooga.

However, by the first week of September, the Union Army of the Cumberland was on the move again, and the Confederates withdrew from Chattanooga toward LaFayette, Georgia, a move that ultimately led to the Battle of Chickamauga.

This living history program will explore how and why the Confederates chose to abandon Chattanooga 155 years ago.

STAFF PHOTO BY ROBIN RUDD With the city of Chattanooga below, visitors walk on one of the many trails at the Point Park unit of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. Living history re-enactors of the 16th Alabama will present Infantry demonstrations Saturday and Sunday at Point Park.