Chattanooga Tennessee History

Chattanooga was originally inhabited by the Cherokee American Native tribe. Hernando DeSoto is credited with “discovering” Chattanooga during his expedition along the Tennessee River. During the 1600s, the area became an important part of the French trading route between the Mississippi Valley and Charleston and the French established trading posts along the Tennessee River. By 1816, the area was officially settled as Ross’s Landing and the French and Cherokee were gone. In 1838, the city officially took the name of Chattanooga, meaning "rock rising to a point," a fitting description of Lookout Mountain.  During the Civil War, Chattanooga was the scene of significant battles with Union forces led by General Grant.

The famous Chattanooga Choo Choo Terminal Station was built in 1908 and stands as a testament of the golden age of railroad. Today, Chattanooga, the 4th largest city in the state, receives national recognition for the renaissance of its downtown and redevelopment of its riverfront. The city boasts the most productive affordable housing program in the nation and is noted for successfully leveraging public and private ventures.