Fun Historical Facts About Chattanooga

Chattanooga has a rich and fascinating history! Here are some fun facts that highlight its unique past:

Transportation & Innovation:

• Birthplace of the Tow Truck: In 1913, Ernest Holmes Sr., a Chattanooga garage worker, invented the tow truck after witnessing a car struggling to be pulled from a ditch. This invention revolutionized the automotive industry.  
• “Chattanooga Choo Choo”: The city was immortalized in the 1941 Glenn Miller Orchestra song “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” which was the first song to be certified as a gold record. The Terminal Station, now a hotel, boasts the world’s largest freestanding brick dome.  
• Incline Railway: The Lookout Mountain Incline Railway is one of the steepest passenger railways in the world, climbing Lookout Mountain at a breathtaking grade. It’s been operating since 1895.  

Sweet Treats & Snacks:

• Home of the MoonPie: In 1917, the Chattanooga Bakery created the MoonPie, a delicious combination of graham crackers, marshmallow filling, and chocolate coating. It was originally designed as a snack for coal miners.  
• First Bottled Coca-Cola: Chattanooga was home to the first Coca-Cola bottling franchise. Two local attorneys bought the rights for just $1 each in 1899 and started bottling the popular beverage.  

Civil War History:

• Strategic Importance: Due to its location on the Tennessee River and its rail connections, Chattanooga was a crucial strategic point during the Civil War.  
• Battles of Chattanooga and Chickamauga: The city and surrounding area were the sites of major battles in 1863, including the Battles of Chickamauga and Chattanooga, which were pivotal in the Union’s victory in the Western Theater.  

Other Interesting Tidbits:

• Name Origin: The name “Chattanooga” comes from a Creek word meaning “rock coming to a point,” referring to Lookout Mountain.  
• Miniature Golf Origin: The first patented miniature golf course, “Tom Thumb Golf,” was created on Lookout Mountain in 1927 by Garnet Carter to attract visitors to his Rock City Gardens.  
• Hang Gliding Hub: Lookout Mountain Flight Park is a renowned training center for hang gliding pilots.  

Chattanooga’s history is a blend of Native American heritage, industrial innovation, Civil War significance, and unique cultural contributions. These fun facts offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of the city’s past.