Social Studies, Grades 4–12
Time required: 45 minutes
Actual weapons, ordnance, uniforms, original newspapers and documents, and photographs of Knoxville and soldiers highlight the story of the Battle of Fort Sanders, a pivotal event in East Tennessee during the Civil War. Students will learn what happened and why, and come to appreciate the role of ordinary people in important historic events. A reenactment of the battle on DVD helps to make it all come alive.
In addition to the primary sources in the exhibit, an expanded display includes Civil War archaeology—the excavation of an artillery battery and associated rifle pits that were the site of action on the day of the assault. The artifacts recovered emphasize the role of ordinary soldiers, and show how archaeology can confirm, amplify, or refute the documentary record.
Tennessee Social Studies Curriculum
Economics, Geography, History, Interactions
- 4: 4.2.04, 4.3.02, 4.3.03, 4.5.12
- 5: 5.2.05, 5.3.01, 5.5.01, 5.6.01
- 8: 8.3.03, 8.4.04, 8.5.18, 8.5.19, 8.5.20
- High School US History: 4.1, 5.1