More to the Story with Staley: Fort O. Historical Markers

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Barnhardt Circle is just off of Lafayette Road in Fort Oglethorpe, right before you enter the Chickamauga Battlefield.

It has a new look, because a number of historical markers are now in place.

They were just installed, all around the circle.

“They’re put in place in front of either the structure that still exists, or what was once there, in most cases,” said City Manager Molly Huhn. “Now, there are some that just provide general information about the circle or the area itself. I believe marker number one is one of those. It just gives the idea of the whole circle.”

That idea is to highlight the sixth cavalry Army post, from 1919 to 1942. And the only women’s all-black Army core unit to serve overseas during World War II trained here.

These homes that line Barnhardt Circle were built for the high-ranking officers.

“One of the questions we get asked a lot is ‘what are these houses?’ Because they’re obviously much larger and much more ornate than houses that are built today. And so, this just gives a good explanation of what was here. And what was happening here. And why these houses are here,” said Economic and Events Director Taylor Hutwagner.

The project itself was started by now-retired museum director Chris McKeever.

The city, and many others to include the circle’s homeowners, then jumped on board.

For example, long-time local journalist Louis Lee was the one who wrote the information on the markers. And Louis picked the pictures.

When it was all finished up, it only took the city a day and a half to install the markers.

“You have to know where you come from to know where you’re going. And we want to make sure that in our historic district, we’re actually honoring the history that was there. So, it sort of grounds us and roots us. And we want to tell those stories so that they don’t get lost to the ages,” Huhn said.

These historical markers fall in line with Fort O’s work on sprucing up the city, and to build new relationships – specifically with the Battlefield.

We’re really excited to forge those new partnerships and enhance our longstanding relationships, and really bring all these stories to life again. And to open our doors, and let people know that we’re here. And come on out and hang out in Fort O,” Huhn concluded.