Chattanooga is much more than a rest stop halfway between Nashville and Atlanta. It’s a great town in its own right, boasting a rich history, unique culture, and attractions you won’t find anywhere else in the area.
We’re really proud of the place we call home, and never miss an opportunity to brag about our favorite things that make Chattanooga unique. For starters, here are our top 10 factoids:
Chattanooga Fun Facts
You Can See Seven States:
From the top of Lookout Mountain, on a clear day and using binoculars, you are able to see Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Kentucky, Virginia, and of course Tennessee. This is because of the unique combination of Lookout’s high elevation, and the low elevation of the valley below. Learn more.
Miniature Golf Was Invented in Chattanooga:
Putting greens and “pitch and putt” courses had been around for many years. But the game of miniature golf as we know it – with obstacles, pint-sized windmills, and whimsical decorations – was invented in Chattanooga. In 1928, the enterprising owner of the Fairyland Golf Course atop Lookout Mountain created his “Tom Thumb Course,” which started a national craze. Learn more.
Chattanooga is a World Class Climbing Destination:
According to climbing.com, Chattanooga is “The Southern Cragging Capital,” In their words, “Nowhere in the South is there such a high concentration of life list climbing destinations…The rock is hard, high-quality sandstone, and the terrain can include long crack climbs as well as overhanging jug-fests; the variety is incredible.” If the weather is bad (which doesn’t happen often since people can climb all year long), Chattanooga is also home to several top quality indoor climbing gyms. Learn more.
Chattanooga Was Once the Most Polluted City in the Nation:
Considering that Chattanooga is a well-known outdoor destination, you might be surprised to learn that less than 50 years ago, the smog was so bad you needed to use your headlights during the day. Thanks to a local effort that coordinated the citizens and local industries, Chattanooga cleaned up its act and is now a shining example of what can be done to safeguard our health and wellbeing. Learn more.
World Class Paddling is Just Up the Road:
Less than an hour away from downtown is the Ocoee River, home to the paddling competitions in the 1996 Olympic Games. Offering 10 miles of class III-IV whitewater, it attracts more than 200,000 paddlers every year. The outdoor website Roots Rated says the Ocoee provides “…a lifetime’s worth of playspots, eddies, and lines to explore.” Learn more.
Crucial Civil War Battles Took Place in Chattanooga:
Chattanooga was considered the “Gateway to the Deep South,” and as such, fierce battles were waged in the mountains and valleys surrounding the area. In September of 1863, the Confederates were victorious at the “Battle of Chickamauga,” among the deadliest in the entire war. The Union Troops fought back in November, and ushered in the “Death Knell of the Confederacy.” Today, several battlefields serve as monuments to the historic events. Learn More.
Chattanooga Has the Some of the Fastest Internet Speeds in the World:
In an effort to modernize and automate their infrastructure, local government-owned electrical utility EPB set up a fiber optic network to help substations, smart meters, and other equipment talk to each other. After investing in the system, they saw it as a no-brainer to let the community benefit from the technology by offering services as an internet provider. Now “Gig City” can enjoy upload and download Internet speeds up to 1,000 Mbps. Learn more.
Signals Were Actually Sent from Atop Mountain:
For centuries, Native Americans used Signal Point atop Chattanooga’s Signal Mountain to send smoke signals to people across the Tennessee Valley. And during the Civil War, Union Troops used Signal Point as a communication station. Today, the mountain is home to a thriving community of residents. Learn more.
A UFO Landed on Signal Mountain:
Well, not exactly. In 1973 (amid the UFO craze) local resident Curtis King built a flying saucer home along a switchback going up highway 127. The road is pretty curvy, so if you’re passing by be careful to concentrate on driving. Learn more.
The City’s Name has Native American Origins:
According to Encyclopedia Britannica, “Chattanooga” is “…derived from a Creek word for nearby Lookout Mountain meaning ‘rock rising to a point.’” If you’ve ever seen Lookout Mountain from down in the valley, you know this is an apt description. Learn more.
We hope you found these Chattanooga Fun Facts interesting and entertaining, as they offer a glimpse into the many Chattanooga TN attractions, and things to do in Chattanooga. If you’re looking at a move to Scenic City, we’re confident you’ll be happy with your decision! Also, you can trust Joe Leffew Properties to find you the perfect home.