Welcome to Chattanooga Historical Marker (2024)

Riverfront inChattanooga in Hamilton County, Tennessee — TheAmericanSouth (EastSouthCentral)

You might have questions. Here are a few that we answer all the time:

What does Chattanooga mean?
The word "Chattanooga" is believed to have derived from Tsatanugi, a word in the Cherokee language, and means "rock coming to a point" or "end of the mountain." Of course, that "rock coming to a point" would be a reference to our famous Lookout Mountain.

Hey, isn't there a song about Chattanooga?
Yep! Chattanooga became a household name in 1942 when the Glenn Miller Orchestra sang about the "Chattanooga Choo-Choo" in the film "Sun Valley Serenade." By February 10, 1942, more than 1.2 million copies of the song had been sold, making it the first ever solid-gold hit!

[Second panel from the left]
From this vantage point, there are Chattanooga easter eggs all around you. Get to know the thought process for each unique feature you see below!

Railroad Tracks
Dubbed the "Gateway to the South" during the Civil War (1861-1865), Chattanooga was a crucial city due to its geographical location and the multiple railroads that converged here. After the Civil War, Chattanooga's railroads and proximity

[second panel from the right]
The Beginning of the Stream
This stream appears to be bursting up through the ground reminiscent of the effects of an earthquake. In 1811 and 1812, a series of catastrophic earthquakes resulted in the creation of Reelfoot Lake near the Tennessee and Kentucky state border. Breaks in the ground of the plaza represent geologic events like these earthquakes that formed some of Tennessee's rivers, lakes, and topography.

Basket Design
In the paver band directly to your left, you will see designs at regular intervals inspired by a pattern sewn by Appalachian quilters. The red oaks like those planted in the "handles" of the baskets towards the far end of this band provided the materials that early settlers would use to make baskets.

Check out our blog post for more information on what's around you!

[right panel]
Chattanooga's Spring Break Safari
During

Scan the QR code for more details. Start anywhere you would like; adventures are independent of each other.

Waterfall, Hiking, and Overlooks
If you want an urban hike that leads you to unique city views, check out Stringers Ridge in North Chattanooga. Stop for a swim in Rainbow Lake, but disclaimer: it is not, in fact, a lake filled with rainbows. The Chattanooga area is home to some of the more impressive waterfalls in the southeast. So hit the trails and enjoy the beauty of these gems that are bound to impress.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Environment • . A significant historical date for this entry is February 10, 1942.

Location. 35°3.33′N, 85°18.623′W. Marker is in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in Hamilton County. It is in Riverfront. Marker can be reached from Market Street west of East First Street, on the right when traveling south. The marker is in Aquarium