December 25, 1863 (Thursday): A National Cemetary in Chattanooga

Gates at Chattanooga National Cemetery

GENERAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE CUMBERLAND,

Numbers 296.
Chattanooga, Tennessee, December 25, 1863.
    It is ordered that a national cemetery be founded at this place in commemoration of the battles of Chattanooga, fought November 23, 24, 25, 26, and 27, and to provide a proper resting-place for the remains of the brave men who fell upon the fields fought over upon those days, and for the remains of such as may hereafter give up their lives in this region in defending their country against treason and rebellion.
    The ground selected for the cemetery is the hill lying beyond the Western and Atlantic Railroad, in a southeasterly direction from the town.
    It is proposed to erect a monument upon the summit of the hills, of such materials as are to be obtained in this vicinity, which, like all the work the cemetery, shall be exclusively done by the troops of the Army of the Cumberland.
    Plans for the monument are invited to be sent in to these headquarters.
    When the ground is prepared notice will be given, and all interments of soldiers will thereafter be made in the cemetery, and all now buried in and around the town removed to that place.
    By command of Major General General George H. Thomas:


   WM. D. WHIPPLE,
   Assistant Adjutant-General.

Official Records, Series I., Vol. 31, Part 3, Page 487.

A fitting commemoration to those who died for the Union cause is the national cemetery at Chattanooga.