The public is invited to a ribbon-cutting ceremony and dedication of a Civil War Trail Marker at Admiral Farragut's Birthplace on April 28, 2012.

The dedications will be made by the two co-chairs of the Tennessee Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission: Tennessee Tourism Commissioner Susan Whitaker and Executive Director of the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area Dr. Carroll Van West. Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett and other Knox County officials will also be present at the dedication.

Musical entertainment preceding the dedication will be provided by Conny Ottway. Starting from 9 AM, coffee and light refreshments will be provided by the Farragut Folklife Museum Board and the HoLa Hora Latina organization.

Information regarding Civil War reenactors, exhibits, and other entertainment will be provided as confirmed.

Date: April 28, 2012
Where: Admiral Farragut Park, 9950 S. Northshore Drive
When: 9:00 - 11:30 AM (event will be held rain or shine)
Unveling Time: 10 AM
Directions: Take I - 40 (Pellissippi Pkwy) to Northshore Drive exit. Travel west on Northshore approximately 1/2 mile. The sign stating Admiral Farragut Park will be on the left. If you pass Carl Cowan Park you have gone too far.

David G. Farragut was born at Lowe's Ferry (originally called Farragut's Ferry) on July 5, 1801. He spent his early childhood there before his family relocated to New Orleans. He claimed Tennessee as his home state throughout his life. Soon after moving from Knox County, Farragut's mother died, and Farragut became the foster child of Navy Commander David Porter. Farragut entered the Navy at age 9 ½. He took part in his first battle at sea at the age of 11 while serving in the War of 1812. He remained active with the Navy throughout his life. Coming from a long line of seamen, Farragut was named the first Admiral of the American Navy in honor of his significant contribution to ending the Civil War. He led the effort to close the Confederate port at Mobile Bay. It was at this battle that he uttered the often-quoted words, "Damn the torpedoes… full speed ahead!"

A little known fact is that Farragut had Hispanic heritage. His father, Jorge Ferragut, was a merchant from Menorca (Spain) who fought in the Revolutionary War. He bought land when Knoxville was established, and operated a ferry at the site that today is in Admiral Farragut Park at Northshore Dr.

The Tennessee Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission, Knox County, Farragut Folklife Museum, and HoLa Hora Latina (Hispanic non-profit organization) are sponsors of this Civil War Trail marker. The Civil War Trail Program has installed more than 1,000 interpretive markers at Civil War sites in Virginia, Maryland, Tennessee, West Virginia, and North Carolina. Driving tours following major campaigns have been created, and a series of regional brochures and maps are available online.

Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP to [email protected] no later than April 24. For further information call 865-335-3358.