On November 8 & 9, 2003 the Knoxville Civil War Roundtable held a commemoration of the Battle of Fort Sanders at Civil War Fort Dickerson Park. The ceremony was opened to the nostalgic sound of a bagpipe playing an old Celtic tune. Following this, the Roundtable remembered the dedication of the soldiers--both Confederate and Union--who fought so valiantly for their beliefs. The ceremony concluded with salutes fired by both Union and Confederate riflemen and cannon. Guests included Mayor-elect Bill Haslam, Congressman Jimmy Duncan, Councilman Joe Hultquist and former Mayor Victor Ashe.

The two-day event provided Civil War-era excitement to the estimated one thousand visitors who had the opportunity to smell the smoke and see the scenes of blue and gray in combat during skirmishes, drills and cannon fire. Tents and campfires provided the backdrop for Civil War music and medical demonstrations. Small cavalry demonstrations added a dash of excitement, while Civil War exhibits provided information on the battle.
 

Photos From the Commemoration

Click on any picture to get a larger version, which is approximately 640 x 480 pixels. The larger-sized versions of these pictures are somewhat large files so it may take awhile to download them over a slow internet connection. We made high quality jpegs because the photos were so vivid and detailed. They are highly suitable for printing.

Thanks to Dot Armstrong, our Director of Community Activities, for these pictures of the commemoration events. Fantastic job!

The lefthand picture in the top row is of the sign that KCWRT erected at Civil War Fort Dickerson Park. The sign contains maps and descriptions of "The 1863 Siege of Knoxville". You will have to go to the park to read the sign.

The center picture in the top row is of the quarry at Civil War Fort Dickerson Park.

The rightmost picture in the top row is of the former Mayor of Knoxville, Victor Ashe, and several of the participants in the commemoration events.

The lefthand picture in the bottom row is of Stan Dalton and a southern belle. Stan Dalton plays the part of Lt. General Nathan Bedford Forrest in reenactments and documentaries.

The center picture in the bottom row is of local DJ Gunner and his horse, Prince. They have appeared at many local events, including the commemoration.

The rightmost picture in the bottom row is the cannon that KCWRT donated to the city. It can be seen at Civil War Fort Dickerson Park.

If you would like to use or distribute these pictures, contact the KCWRT by clicking here.