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NPS Kayak Tour: Jacob Cummings and the Paddle to Freedom

October 14, 2023 @ 9:00 am - 1:00 pm EDT

Join Outdoor Chattanooga and Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park Rangers for a FREE 3-hour, guided and equipped historical kayak tour on the Tennessee River to experience the story of Jacob Cummings.

Jacob Cummings was enslaved since birth and spent much of his early life toiling on the farm of James Smith, located along the upper banks of Moccasin Bend, just across the river from Ross’s Landing. In late July 1839, just a year after the Cherokee had been forced out of the area, and still months before Chattanooga was formally chartered, Jacob Cummings decided to make his escape. From near Brown’s Ferry on Moccasin Bend, Cummings took a canoe and paddled away from a life of slavery.

This special kayak tour, made possible through the support of National Park Partners, will follow his route from Brown’s Ferry, to Williams Island, in view of Walden’s Ridge. Participants will learn about Cummings story both as a passenger and agent on the famed Underground Railroad.

We recommend some kayak experience for this tour.  Appropriate for ages 14 and up.
Additional details will be sent with reservation.
 
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED IN ADVANCE:
Click here to make a reservation online, or call 423-643-6888 with questions.

Details

Date:
October 14, 2023
Time:
9:00 am - 1:00 pm EDT
Event Category:

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