Signal Point Overlook
Posted by: Better Half
N 35° 07.175 W 085° 22.023
16S E 648799 N 3887524
Overlook at Signal Point
Waymark Code: WM23MZ
Location: Tennessee, United States
Date Posted: 08/29/2007
Views: 38
With flags and torches,
signalmen passed the word
When confederate forces laid siege to Chattanooga in late September 1863, they cut off telegraph lines leading into the city. The Federals, in order to move messages from Chattanooga to their supply base in Bridgeport, Alabama established a series of signal stations. One of the stations was here at Signal Point.
Messages relayed here from Bridgeport were flashed to Stringer's Ridge (upriver to your left) and then on to Cameron Hill in the city. By this means, the Federals received news of reinforcements and supplies coming to their relief. When the siege was broken in late Octover, the signal stations disminished in importance.
The U.S. Army Signal Corps, established during the Civil War, operated the stations. Signals were sent by waving square flags or torches. Flag-waving patterns represented numbers. By using secret codes, number compintations could be translated into letters to form words. Observers used telescopes and binoculars for long-range viewing.
Type of overlook: platform
Picnic tables: yes
Benches: yes
Water/restrooms: yes
Overlook designation: Designated
Elevation: 1,580.00
View: Tennessee River Gorge in front and to your left.
Chattanooga to your right.
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Visit Instructions:
You will need a picture with your GPS of the view and the area. It can't be the same picture as the listing has.