The Chattanooga Civil War Round Table is most fortunate to have in its own back yard Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. Within an easy drive of most all of the Round Table members are one or more of the park's reservations. This September's meeting night fell 144 years later on the day of the fight that took place at Alexander's Bridge (September 18, 1863) in the southeast corner of the Park.

Jim demonstrates loading a seven-shot Spencer Repeating Rifle. John Wilder's Mounted Brigade carried Spencers which proved an effective deterrent to Confederates at Alexander's Bridge and at several other critical spots during the battle.

After a short car caravan to the southeast end of the Battlefield, this group of 57 gathers at the edge of the Alexander farm. We learn that the area today is wooded, but at the time of the battle, was open ground which greatly benefited the defending Union troops.

Just to the left of the photo is where the Alexander house and outbuildings stood at the time of the battle. Wilder's men occupied this area as it was the higher ground and it had a commanding view of Chickamauga Creek. While stationed here, Wilder's men took the opportunity to augment their meager rations by helping themselves to Alexander's potato crop. In 1860, John Alexander had one of the larger farms in Catoosa County. Ely Lilly's Indiana Battery was also positioned here. On this day, 144 years ago, his guns contributed to the Confederates unsuccessful crossing of Chickamauga Creek here at Alexander's Bridge.