Major General, U.S.A.

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“The Rock of Chickamauga”

A native Virginian who chose to remain in the Union Army. At the outbreak of the Civil War, General Thomas played a crucial role in the war’s outcome with his successes in the war’s Western Theater. With Thomas’ crushing defeat of Hood’s Army of Tennessee at the Battle of Nashville, TN. in December, 1864, Grant was able to press the siege at Petersburg that lead to the surrender of Lee’s army at Appomattox, VA. four months later.

Thomas acquired the sobriquet, “Rock of Chickamauga”, for his gallant stand at the Battle of Chickamauga Creek, GA., Sept. 20, 1863. Subsequently he was given command of the Union Army of the Cumberland.

Dying of natural causes, General Thomas was laid to rest under the eagle before you in April, 1870. You are standing today where 10,000 mourners stood on that spring day including President Grant, his Cabinet, and Generals Meade, Hooker, Sheridan, Sherman, Schofield, and Rosecrans. None of Thomas’ Virginia kin were present. When his sisters learned of his infidelity to the South, they ceased all communications. In spite of his attempts at reconciliation, the breach was never closed.

Dedicated by the Civil War Society

Berryville, Virginia

July 4, 1992

Marker is on Oakwood Cemetery Road, on the right when traveling south.

Courtesy hmdb.org

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