Erected in 1890, the Walnut Street Bridge was the first to connect Chattanooga's downtown with the North Shore. Structural modifications have been made to turn the bridge into what is now a pedestrian walkway. The 1/2-mile span is the longest pedestrian bridge in the world and very popular among local residents. Providing spectacular views of Coolidge Park, the Tennessee Aquarium and the Riverfront, the bridge is available for weddings and special events.
Just west of Chattanooga is a high ridge known as Raccoon Mountain and Raccoon Mountain Cave. For adventurous people this area offers camping, but there is a lot more to do than simply pitch a tent. Drive like the Andrettis on the go-kart course or go exploring in the caverns in and around the area you can pan for gold and gemstones in the creeks that run along the base of the mountains.
Take a half-mile walk into the center of Lookout Mountain to the largest underground waterfall in the United States. This 145-foot fall funnels 300 gallons of water per minute into a subterranean river. The gorgeous falls are highlighted with colored lights and a reflecting pool. There is a 10-story observation tower, Ruby Falls Fun Forest for kids, and walking tour through the caverns, which lasts one and one-half hours.
Just south of Chattanooga is the site of the area's longest and bloodiest battle of the United States Civil War. The U.S. War Department (now the Department of the Interior) declared this battlefield a National Military Park in the 1890s. It has attracted millions of visitors over the years. Chickamauga Battlefield, Lookout Mountain Battlefield and Point Park, Missionary Ridge and Moccasin Bend are the highlights of this attraction. A visitor's center provides detailed information about the history of the battlefield and the battles fought here. The self-guided tour takes you through several battle sites, the Wilder Tower Monument, and a common area for picnics and recreation.
Saints Peter and Paul Basilica is a quaint church nestled in Chattanooga. The histpry of this structure can be traced back to the 19th Century when it was built. The Roman Catholic Church boasts of Gothic designs along with Tudor Revival architectural elements. The interiors of the church are beautiful with the stained-glass windows by the famed American artist Louis Comfort Tiffany. Registered as a National Historic Place since 1979, this church invites history and architectural enthusiasts for tours.
Rows and rows of short white granite rise from the ground as a stark reminder of those who gave their lives in battle. This national cemetery is the second largest in the USA, and was established in 1863. Over 12,000 Union soldiers were buried here during the battles in and around Chattanooga, most notably "Andrews Raiders," the first four men to win Medals of Honor. Veterans of the Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam are resting here, too. All U.S. Veterans of the Armed Forces are eligible for interment in this beautiful cemetery.
Coal extraction was undertaken atop the Fredonia Mountain of Sequatchie Valley during the end of the 18th Century. Neighboring steel foundries and a railroad encouraged the mining activity thus creating the need for ovens to satiate demand for coke, a fuel used in iron and steel making. The mine started out with 40 ovens, but growing demand coaxed the holding company to add many more taking the number of ovens at this mine to a staggering 268. But, the Great Depression led the company into bankruptcy leaving the ovens and the mines in ruins. Today, the mine is converted into a park and the ovens are preserved to their historic condition. They can be visited free of cost.
Just south of Chattanooga is the site of the area's longest and bloodiest battle of the United States Civil War. The U.S. War Department (now the Department of the Interior) declared this battlefield a National Military Park in the 1890s. It has attracted millions of visitors over the years. Chickamauga Battlefield, Lookout Mountain Battlefield and Point Park, Missionary Ridge and Moccasin Bend are the highlights of this attraction. A visitor's center provides detailed information about the history of the battlefield and the battles fought here. The self-guided tour takes you through several battle sites, the Wilder Tower Monument, and a common area for picnics and recreation.
Saints Peter and Paul Basilica is a quaint church nestled in Chattanooga. The histpry of this structure can be traced back to the 19th Century when it was built. The Roman Catholic Church boasts of Gothic designs along with Tudor Revival architectural elements. The interiors of the church are beautiful with the stained-glass windows by the famed American artist Louis Comfort Tiffany. Registered as a National Historic Place since 1979, this church invites history and architectural enthusiasts for tours.
Erected in 1890, the Walnut Street Bridge was the first to connect Chattanooga's downtown with the North Shore. Structural modifications have been made to turn the bridge into what is now a pedestrian walkway. The 1/2-mile span is the longest pedestrian bridge in the world and very popular among local residents. Providing spectacular views of Coolidge Park, the Tennessee Aquarium and the Riverfront, the bridge is available for weddings and special events.
Rows and rows of short white granite rise from the ground as a stark reminder of those who gave their lives in battle. This national cemetery is the second largest in the USA, and was established in 1863. Over 12,000 Union soldiers were buried here during the battles in and around Chattanooga, most notably "Andrews Raiders," the first four men to win Medals of Honor. Veterans of the Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam are resting here, too. All U.S. Veterans of the Armed Forces are eligible for interment in this beautiful cemetery.
Spread over less than one acre of land, the First Presbyterian Church is a historic structure that is designed in it's Greek Revival. The church teaches the people to grow with Christ and to know him and to share his love with the rest of the community. The church welcomes visitors daily and is glad to enlighten the new comers and tourists about the beauties of thi historical church.