News Summary
Three bronze plaques worth $18,000 were stolen from the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park during a brazen theft. The incident involved two male suspects, who were captured on security cameras removing the plaques. Witnesses reported seeing the thieves escape in a green Ford F-150 pickup truck. This theft is a significant loss as the plaques honored Union forces from the Civil War and hold immense historical value. Park officials are urging the public for assistance in identifying the suspects and recovering the stolen artifacts.
Chattanooga Investigates Theft of Historic Bronze Plaques
Chattanooga, TN – Three bronze plaques, with a combined value of $18,000, were stolen from the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park’s Sherman Reservation on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at approximately 12:01 p.m. The plaques commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of Union forces during the Civil War, specifically honoring the 53rd, 57th, and 70th Ohio infantry regiments.
Authorities reported that two white males in their mid-20s, both with brown hair, were spotted removing the plaques from the reservation. One suspect was noted to be wearing a bright orange shirt that resembled a construction safety shirt at the time of the incident. Following the theft, witnesses observed the suspects fleeing the scene in a green Ford F-150 pickup truck, an extended cab model believed to be from the late 1990s or early 2000s. Further descriptions of the vehicle indicate it featured a two-tone gray stripe on the lower quarter panels, and there was a noticeable mismatch in the driver’s side front wheel against the others.
Security cameras and eyewitness accounts substantiate the timeline of the theft, with evidence showing the suspects driving the truck towards the gate that closes the road around the time the plaques were removed. Park historian James Ogden revealed that the results of the investigation uncovered drag marks on the ground, indicating that the thieves had pulled the plaques down the hill to remove them from the site.
In addition to the stolen plaques, a missing portion of a cannon, known as a cascabel, was also discovered during the investigation, raising concerns that it may have been stolen in the same timeframe as the theft of the plaques. The incident highlights a troubling pattern; the park has a history of plaque thefts, with a similar occurrence reported in 1995 when numerous plaques were removed and sold for scrap copper.
The recast replacements of the plaques lost during the earlier theft took many years to produce, as the original plaques were installed around the turn of the 20th century and hold significant historical value. The latest theft has been particularly disappointing for park officials and local historians alike, as the significance of these plaques extends beyond their monetary value; they are key components in the historical narrative of the area.
Ranger Justin Young is currently leading the investigation and has urged the public for assistance in identifying the suspects. Individuals with any information related to the theft are encouraged to reach out to him directly at (423) 298-7437. In an effort to facilitate apprehension, the National Park Service is offering a reward for verified information that leads to the identification and capture of the suspects involved in this theft.
The theft of these plaques is not just a loss of material value but a loss of historical tribute that serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made during one of America’s most turbulent periods. The community and park officials remain hopeful that the public will assist in recovering these important pieces of history.
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Plaques Stolen from Sherman Reservation
- Wikipedia: Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park
- WDEF News: 3 Bronze Plaques Stolen from Chattanooga National Military Park
- Google Search: Chattanooga National Military Park
- News Channel 9: Caught on Video – Men Steal Valuable Monument Plaques
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Civil War
- Local 3 News: Rangers Seeking Two Suspects in Weekend Plaque Theft
- Google News: Bronze Plaque Theft
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
