History is made every day. And as time goes by, we take the past, and we preserve it — in books, museums, and monuments. Chattanooga's history runs deep, reaching into the lives of men and women who lived centuries ago, bringing their stories into the forefront of today.

THE HISTORY OF THE SCENIC CITY

The name "Chattanooga" comes from the Creek Indian word for "rock coming to a point." This refers to Lookout Mountain which begins in Chattanooga and stretches 88 miles through Alabama and Georgia.

The city itself started out with 2 different names: Ross's Landing and Lookout City. Ross's Landing was established in 1816 by John Ross, Chief of the Cherokee Indians.

This area consisted of a ferry, warehouse, and landing. With the organization of Hamilton County in 1819, Ross's Landing served not only the Cherokee trade but also as a convenient business center for the county. In 1838, the city officially took the name of "Chattanooga." That same year, Cherokee parties left from Ross's Landing for the West on what became known as the Trail of Tears.

Chattanooga is probably most popular for its fame as a railroad town. During the Civil War, the railroad was of vital importance for bringing in not only supplies to the troops stationed within the city, but also for transporting reinforcements. Four major railways met in Chattanooga: the Western & Atlantic, Memphis & Charleston, Louisville & Nashville which connected to the Nashville & Chattanooga, and the Virginia & Tennessee Railroads which went through Knoxville up to Virginia.

In 1908, the Chattanooga Choo Choo Terminal Station was built. The station still stands today as a testament of the golden age of railroad with its 85-foot freestanding dome, the world's largest free-standing dome.

Famous for not only its railroad history, Chattanooga also abounds with Native American History, Civil War History, and 20th Century History. With the Trail of Tears beginning here at Ross's Landing in 1838, it's not surprising that the city still holds several Native American Festivals throughout the year on this sight. Nor is it surprising that it has a museum dedicated to the memory of the Empress of the Blues who was born right here in Chattanooga: The Chattanooga African/American Museum & Bessie Smith Hall.

A Time Line of Chattanooga
The Scenic City set along the banks of the Tennessee River

1540 to 1541 — Hernando DeSoto's Spanish expedition travels along the Tennessee River in search of gold and adventure stopping in Chattanooga on his journey.

1600's — The Tennessee River is an important part of the French trade route between the Mississippi Valley and Charleston, South Carolina.

Early 1700's — The French established trading posts along the river.

1760 — There is conflict between the French and the English for control of trade with the Indians, resulting in the French and Indian War. The end of this war leaves the English in control of the area.

1816 — Ross's Landing is established by Chief John Ross of the Cherokee Indians.

1819 — Hamilton County is formed.

1837 to 1850 — The Western & Atlantic Railroad is being built, routed to end in Chattanooga.

1838 — Chattanooga becomes the official name of the city. Cherokee parties leave on their journey West along the Trail of Tears.

1840's — Robert Cravens builds the Bluff Furnace, a replica of which stands in the original location next to the Walnut Street Bridge.

1860 — Chattanooga's population reaches 2,000, making it a large city for the time period.

1863 — The Campaign for Chattanooga brings a struggle between the North and the South to the banks of the Tennessee River and the surrounding mountains.

1867 — The First Congregationalist Church of Chattanooga becomes the first church in the South to welcome both black and white members.

1890 — The nation's first national military park is established, Chickamauga-Chattanooga National Military Park.

1890 — Due to large iron manufacturing industry, Chattanooga becomes known as the "Pittsburgh of the South."

1891 - Walnut Street Bridge is built.

1894 — Bessie Smith, Empress of the Blues, is born in Chattanooga.

1895 — The Lookout Mountain Incline Railway is completed.

1908 — The Chattanooga Choo Choo Terminal Station is built.

1928 — Ruby Falls is discovered.

1932 — Rock City opens

1933 — Tennessee Valley Authority is formed to stop flooding.

Late 1940's — The song, Chattanooga Choo Choo by Glenn Miller, becomes the first gold record.

1948 — The city became the first major southern city to have African-American Police Officers.

1969 — Walter Cronkite announces on the Evening News that Chattanooga is America's dirtiest city, a remark that will spur on Chattanooga's citizens to change the direction the city is heading.

1976 — Miller Park is opened.

1982 — Riverbend, a nine-day music festival held at Ross's Landing, begins.

1982 — The Vision 2000 project is formed to develop recommendations for how to revitalize the riverfront and downtown.

1992 — Tennessee Aquarium is built.

1993 — Reopening the Walnut Street Bridge as the world's longest pedestrian bridge.

1999 — Coolidge Park opens in North Chattanooga.

2005 - Ruby Falls Celebrates it's 75 Anniversary

2006 - Chattanooga 21st Century Waterfront Complete- Tennessee Aquarium Expanded

2007 - Rock City Celebrates it's 75th Anniversary