We are working our way through the reports. My condolences first and foremost goes to the community for the lost of life which far surpasses the loss of historic property.

As far as Georgia, three of the home counties of the 39th Georgia were hit hard. Dade, Walker, and Catoosa Counties were heavily damaged. Trenton had two killed and heavily damaged (Company D). Initial reports are that Ringgold was destroyed [eight killed, thirty severely injuried] (Catoosa County, Company F). Walker County (Companies E and K), I have a life long friend who reports that Flintstone, Georgia was hit pretty hard with several subdivisions being heavily damaged but currently not reporting any loss of life. There are pictures of this area on Chattanooga.com.

Analyzing the initial reporting, I do not know the impact on the historic downtown area of Ringgold. The area around the Hwy 151 exit is devastated. Right now from what I can tell the downtown area has not video taped from the ground. No one has been allowed into the area. Of course, I am working on time delay since I live in Virginia and having to work through reporting on the internet and relatives through the area with limited communications.

Personally, all my folks are "OK" but several have heavy property damage. Property can be replaced, precious lives cannot.

That is the initial report. Our prayers and thoughts go with our loved ones and our homeland.

Respectfully,

Gerald D. Hodge, Jr.
M.A. Military Historian - Civil War Concentration
Research - Preservation
Historian: 39th Georgia Volunteer Infantry Regiment