The first inhabitants of the Chattanooga area, meaning “rock-dwelling,” were the Cherokee who had lived there since 1776. However, the U.S. government forced the Native Americans to relocate to an area designated as Indian Territory in 1838. The U.S. Army used a community site called Ross’s Landing to hold the Native Americans before forcing them west. Their exile to the west became known as the "Trail of Tears" because of the loss of lives and suffering they endured along the way. In 1839, the community of Ross's Landing was incorporated as the city of Chattanooga. The city became a boomtown, growing quickly due to river commerce and the railroad's arrival in 1850. Chattanooga became the center of battle during the American Civil War as its railroads were vital to the Confederacy's transportation of raw materials to processing plants for producing small arms munitions. Chattanooga saw many battles lost and plenty as the victor but grew into a vital industrial and manufacturing center and a major railroad hub. During the mid and late 1900s, Chattanooga also saw many milestones and iconic moments. Glenn Miller captured one of these moments in the 1941 big-band swing song "Chattanooga Choo Choo," which referred to the completion of the interstate highway system in the later 1960s. In February 1958, Chattanooga became one of the smallest cities in the country, with three VHF television stations. Chattanooga's population declined by more than 10% in the 1980s but regained it over the next two decades due to considerable efforts to transform the city. In the last decade, the city has won three national awards for outstanding "livability" and nine Gunther Blue Ribbon Awards, earned for excellence in housing and consolidated planning.

Chattanooga offers a compelling combination of attractions, outdoor adventure, delicious restaurants, shopping, and rich historical landmarks. Her bounty in entertainment is almost limitless.

Here are a few gems that are absolute musts when you are in Chattanooga:

Chattanooga Ghost Tour: Come and experience the ghostly, haunted stories behind the buildings of downtown Chattanooga. This tour will leave you with goosebumps and thrills for days.

Gate 11 Distillery: Located in the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo, Gate 11 Distillery of Vodka, Gin, Rum, and Whiskey offers daytime tours, tastings, and cocktails at indoor and outdoor bars overlooking the iconic Choo Choo engine and Glenn Miller Gardens.

Snooper’s Rock: Tucked away deep inside Prentice Cooper State Forest is a breathtaking scenic view of the unique S-curve in the river as it winds through a secluded section of the gorge. It is definitely worth the brief hike to get there.