Wilder Tower
Chickamauga National Battlefield Park
Photo courtesy of LCWRT Member John Davis,
taken during the LCWRT 2018 Spring Field Trip
This 85-foot tower near site of Widow Glenn's house marks the site where Colonel John Wilder's Lightning Brigade of mounted infantry with their repeating Spencer rifles and support from the 18th LiN Light Battery, made a strong defense against Longstreet's attack on Sept 20, 1863.After repelling CSA forces under Arthur Manigault, Wilder prepared to join Union forces under George Thomas on Snodgrass Hill. Instead, he was ordered by Charles Dana, Assistant Secretary of War to guard the withdrawal to Chattanooga.
Wilder's Brigade was comprised of:
17th Indiana, Maj. William T. Jones
72d Indiana, Col. Abram O. Miller
92d Illinois, Smith D. Atkins
98th Illinois, Col. John J. Funkhouser & Lieut. Col. Edward Kitchell
123d Illinois, Col. James Monroe
18th Light Battery Indiana (1st Brigade), Capt. Eli Lilly
Started in 1892, and financed for by private funds, including monies from Wilder's men, the monument was up to 60 feet high when construction was halted by bank failures due to the Panic of 1893. Construction recommenced in 1897 and went on until 1904, when the interior staircase was finished. The finished height is 85 feet. Via the interior spiral staircase, the viewing platform at the top provides a panoramic view of the battlefield.
On June 8, 1963, the Wilder Monument was the first monument on Chickamauga battlefield to be rededicated. It has been completely renovated.
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