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Native AmericanCrawfish Springs Chief John Ross House Old Federal Road Walker County Regional Heritage Museum |
During the September 1863 Battle of Chickamauga, Crawfish Springs was the primary source of water for both Union and Confederate soldiers. Today, during the annual September War Between The States Day, Civil War reenactors use the area around the spring as a camp and demonstration site. The spring,
no longer used as a city water source, has been converted to a lovely public park complete with picnic tables, swings and gazebo. Parking is free along Cove Road and the spring is open for
all to enjoy at no charge.
Chief John Ross House is a memorial to John Ross—a man who is considered by many to be the greatest of the chiefs of the Cherokee Nation. Although only one-eighth Cherokee, he was devoted to his nation and served as Principal Chief from 1828 to his death in 1866. Chief Ross fought valiantly against the removal of his people from Georgia and surrounding states by the United States government. Ultimately, he led the Cherokees on the tragic Trail of Tears journey to Oklahoma in 1838. This fascinating tribute to Chief John Ross’ life and accomplishments is located at Andrews & East Lake Avenue in Rossville and can be viewed by appointment only. 
In 1805, the United States and the Cherokee Nation agreed in the Treaty of Tellico to establish the Federal Road through Cherokee territory. Driving the tour today takes about 3.5 hours. www.georgia.org/Travel/InfoDownloads/Podcasts.htm
Civil War Discovery Trail —Links more than 600 sites in32 states to inspire and to teach
the story of the Civil War and its enduring impact on America. The Gordon-Lee Mansion at Chickamauga is included on the trail.
Between 1888 and 1889, the railroad came to the little town of Crawfish Springs (later renamed Chickamauga). A hotel opened in 1891 and the train depot was built in anticipation of a throng of visitors. The dreams of the investors did not materialize and, in 1898, the hotel was used as a hospital for soldiers at Camp Thomas, located in the Chickamauga Battlefield. It was later demolished and replaced with the two-story brick community house that survives today. The Train Depot has been restored and exhibits War Between the States collectibles, Indian artifacts and Cherokee arrowheads, WWI artifacts, antique guns and furniture and a complete working display of Lionel Old Gauge model trains that date back to 1947.