Years ago, the State of Georgia placed this roadside marker here, in Ringgold Gap, to honor both the General and his command. Although historians take exception to some of the wording, this marker was the only local object to memorialize the General and his command - that is, until today with the unveiling of his first statue (we hope there will be more).

Ringgold Gap wasn't the first time that General Cleburne's men had saved the Confederate Army of Tennessee. His defense of the north end of Missionary Ridge just two days earlier kept Union General William T. Sherman from crushing the Confederate right flank. His eye for terrain and his tactical skill served him well on many occasions. Not bad for someone whose only military training was three years service in the British Army!

About 150 chairs were placed inside the park, locally known as "Confederate Park," in anticipation of a nice size turnout for the unveiling ceremony. The covered statue and several ceremony officials stand ready as the 10:00 AM hour approaches. Traffic along U. S. Highway 41 was limited to just the north-bound lane during the events. Thanks to the Georgia State Patrol, Catoosa County Sheriff's Department, and the Ringgold City Police, traffic was allowed to alternate between north-bound and south-bound vehicles which kept things moving. Shuttle buses helped bring the attendance to over 400, which was a much better turnout than expected.

Thanks to the Pulaski Battery, Georgia Light Artillery, these guns were heard during the day's salute to General Cleburne. They also reminded us of the history of the Battle of Ringgold Gap. In his defense of Ringgold Gap, General Cleburne did have two cannon placed very near this spot, hidden by brush. The two cannon, as well as several regiments of Confederate infantry opened fire on the advancing Union forces.

The firepower forced Union General Joseph Hooker to rethink his attack plan. He later launched several brigade size attacks up the face of White Oak Mountain (Ringgold Gap separates the northern half, White Oak Mountain, from the southern half, Taylor's Ridge). The attempt to turn the Confederate right flank had been anticipated by Cleburne. Once again, federal troops met strong resistance and eventually ended their futile assaults. Cleburne had indeed saved the Confederate army.

The day's festivities were augmented by members of the 8th Georgia Regimental Band. Period songs were played much to the enjoyment of the audience.

After the unveiling, the crowd gets a look at the General, which was a little difficult to see from their perspective due to the bright sunlight (those are not left-handed salutes)! General Cleburne is captured in what most likely would be a typical pose as he observes Union troop movements toward his Ringgold Gap position.

It was "standing room only" during the ceremony. The chairs were reserved for special guests and groups. Those persons were given a bronze medallion that served as a special pass as well as a souviner of the event.

The keynote speaker was Thomas Cartwright. He gave appropriate remarks about the history of Cleburne's activites in the area during the Civil War. He stated that it was his belief that Ringgold Gap was the "high point" of General Cleburne's Confederate service, and thus, most appropriate to honor him with a statue at this location.

Quite a few reenactors participated in the program. Here, they stand to state their names and units they represent. No doubt, General Cleburne witnessed such gatherings of his men whenever he rode by to check on his men.

Smoke from the cannon fire rises in the background while a Confederate soldier holds the "Hardee Flag." This flag was considered "Cleburne's own." By special permission of the Confederate War Department, Cleburne's men were allowed to keep their blue flags with the white moon. It was an easily recognized marker on the battlefield, and feared by many men in blue uniforms.

At left, this close-up of the statue shows the bronze general standing on some rocks (there are plenty of rocks on this ridge!). The Patrick Cleburne Society intends to mount additional plaques on and near the statue to further describe this day's events.

Below is shown the medal worn by VIPs during the unveiling ceremony. Above the General's portrait is inscribed "Ringgold Gap Civil War Festival" and below him "Honoring General Patrick Cleburne." On the reverse side, "Ringgold, GA October 2009" and a number. Approximately 150 were made for this event.