The Battle of Chickamauga was fought from September 19-20, 1863, and marked the end of a Union offensive in the region. The Confederate Army, under General Braxton Bragg, achieved a crucial victory over Union forces led by Major General William Rosecrans. The fierce fighting resulted in one of the war's highest casualty counts, with over 34,000 soldiers killed, wounded, or missing. Despite their success, the Confederate forces failed to capitalize on the victory, allowing Union forces to retreat to Chattanooga, where they later regrouped for future battles. After the Civil War, Indiana erected several monuments at the Chickamauga battlefield to honor the bravery and sacrifice of its soldiers who fought in the conflict.
The 58th Indiana Infantry monument is constructed from Indiana Limestone, which is one of the most popular building stones in the world. Indiana Limestone is sedimentary rock that dates back approximately 330 million years to the Mississippian period. During this time, the region was covered by a shallow, warm sea, rich in marine life. The limestone formed from the accumulation of calcium carbonate from the remains of marine organisms such as corals, bryozoans, and shellfish. These organisms left behind their skeletal fragments on the seafloor, where layers of sediment gradually buried and compressed them over millions of years. As additional sediment accumulated, the weight and pressure caused the calcium carbonate to recrystallize and bind the fragments together, turning them into a solid rock.
Logging Requirements:
- Examine the stone closely and describe what you see. Is the color and grain size consistent throughout the stone, or does it vary slightly?
- Limestone's natural porosity allows it to absorb water, which can sometimes lead to staining. Given that the stone was erected in 1897, have you noticed any evidence of staining or deterioration? How has the limestone stood up to the elements over the years? Based on your observations, why do you think Indiana Limestone was chosen (besides the symbolic significance)?
- Upload a photo taken with the 58th Indiana Infantry Monument. You don't have to be in the photo, though it is strongly encouraged.