Lines of Communication: The U.S. Signal Service

One of the greatest strengths of the U.S. Army of the Cumberland during its fights in middle Tennessee and beyond was the communications and intelligence gathering network provided by the Signal Service. This small group of soldiers, mainly serving on detail, used flags, torches, and telegraphs to ease the flow of information throughout their army. They also used those tools to communicate information they gleaned from observing the countryside from their hilltop stations and from breaking the codes used by their enemy counterparts.

Our volunteers will be learning and practicing the skills of the Signal Service from 9 AM to 3:30 PM. We will pause for special programs highlighting the crtical role played by these brave soldiers and their flags during the struggle for control of Tennessee at 11 AM, 1 PM & 3 PM.