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Cravens House: A Window on the 'Battle Above the Clouds'

Explore Civil War history at Cravens House on Lookout Mountain, where the 'Battle Above the Clouds' unfolded. A must-see for history enthusiasts.

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Cravens House, nestled on Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, offers a glimpse into Civil War history. The site, once home to industrialist Robert Cravens, was at the center of the Battle of Lookout Mountain in 1863. Explore the rebuilt house and grounds to learn about the battle and the lives of those who lived through it.

A brief summary to Cravens House

  • Saturday 1 pm-5 pm
  • Sunday 1 pm-5 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the grounds and exploring the nearby trails.
  • Visit during the summer weekends for potential house tours; call ahead to confirm availability.
  • Bring a camera to capture the scenic views of the Tennessee River Valley.
  • Check the National Park Service website for information on seasonal closures or special events.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Cravens House is accessible via Scenic Highway on Lookout Mountain. From downtown Chattanooga, take Broad Street/US-41 S/US-11 S, which becomes Cummings Highway. Turn left onto TN-148 N (Lookout Mountain Scenic Highway). Follow the signs for Cravens House and turn right onto Cravens Terrace Road. The parking area is a short distance down the road. Be aware that the road is narrow with limited sight distance. Parking is free.

  • Walking

    For those already on Lookout Mountain, the Cravens House can be reached via hiking trails from Point Park. Follow the Bluff Trail for approximately 1.5 miles. The trail offers scenic views but involves a significant elevation change. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear and allow ample time for the hike.

Unlock the Best of Cravens House

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Discover more about Cravens House

Cravens House, located on the slope of Lookout Mountain, is a historic home that played a significant role in the Civil War's Battle of Lookout Mountain, also known as the 'Battle Above the Clouds'. The original house, built in 1856 by Robert Cravens, a Chattanooga iron industrialist, was strategically positioned, offering views of the Tennessee River Valley. During the Civil War, the house was occupied by both Confederate and Union forces and became a focal point of the battle in November 1863. Union troops stormed the mountain, engaging Confederate soldiers in intense fighting around the Cravens property. The house was heavily damaged during the conflict. After the war, Robert Cravens rebuilt his home in 1866. Today, the rebuilt Cravens House is part of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, offering visitors a chance to explore the site and learn about its history. Visitors can walk the grounds, read interpretive markers, and imagine the events that unfolded during the Civil War. The site also provides access to hiking trails with scenic views of the surrounding landscape.

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