I am a resident of the Lookout Valley community who cares deeply about history. I am also a Life Scout with Troop 2 in the Cherokee Area Council and have chosen to help restore this important part of local history with my Eagle Scout Project. 

The New York Wiedrich’s Battery Monument, located within the Chattanooga and Chickamauga National Military Park, is not just a piece of stone; it's a symbol of bravery and dedication. Erected in 1899 by the State of New York, this monument honors Wiedrich’s Battery I 1st New York Light Artillery, commemorating their valor during the Battle of Lookout Mountain in the American Civil War. As such, it represents not only historical significance but also a legacy for future generations to understand and appreciate the sacrifices made during this crucial period of American history.

However, sometime during the 20th century, this monument was desecrated as the plaques, which told the story and honored the soldiers, were looted. This has left a gap in our historical narrative and deprives visitors and our local community of connecting with an essential part of our past. Each time we allow a historical marker to fade into obscurity, we lose a part of our collective story.

This monument needs to be restored not only to preserve the history of the American Civil War but also to respect and honor those brave veterans it stands for. A restored monument can serve as an educational tool, providing tangible links to the past for historians, students, and visitors alike, offering deeper insights into our shared history and the pivotal events at Lookout Mountain.

The National Park Service and the Tennessee Historical Commission have the power to restore this important monument. We urge these institutions to take immediate action to restore Wiedrich’s Battery Monument to its original state. Restoring it will ensure that generations to come can learn from and honor the stories embodied by this tribute.

Please join me in this important initiative to restore our history. Sign this petition to call upon the National Park Service and the Tennessee Historical Commission to take swift and decisive action. Together, we can honor the past and protect our historical heritage for the future. Please sign and share this petition.

Thank you for your support, 

Levi A. Foster 

Chattanooga Resident 

Life Scout