About this Course

Join Outdoor Chattanooga and Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park Rangers for a FREE 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, shares Cummings escape and follow his route from Brown's Ferry, to Williams Island, to Walden's Ridge. Participants will learn about Cummings story both as a passenger and agent on the famed Underground Railroad.