Completed in 1933 as one of the New Deal's public works projects, this federal building and courthouse was the final building designed by local architect Reuben Harrison Hunt. At the time, the construction cost just over $490,000. The building is constructed in an Arte Moderne style with references to the sleek architecture of the period as well as more classical influences. The Solomon Courthouse is also well known for the cases that have been tried here such as Mapp et. al vs. the City of Chattanooga, which is credited for the beginnings of desegregation in the area.
The Martin Hotel was the largest African American-operated hotel in the South. This hotel hosted many celebrities such as Ella Fitzgerald, the Harlem Globetrotters, Willie Mays and Nat King Cole.
The Chattanooga African American Museum was founded in 1983. In 1996, a newly renovated facility became the new home of the Chattanooga African American Museum and the Bessie Smith Hall in honor of the late "Empress of the Blues", Bessie Smith. The Museum currently exhibits "A Cast of the Blues" featuring life casts of prolific artists, "Mississippi: A State of Blues" which includes color photographs, and a 90 minute documentary that follows the history of blues artists from the area.
In need of a hospital to serve the African-American community in Chattanooga in the early 20th century, the Walden Hospital was established under the tutelage of Emma Rochelle Wheeler, a prominent African-American physician in Chattanooga.
First Baptist Church, previously known as Shiloh Baptist Church, was built in 1885 and is home to a congregation established in 1866. A fine example of Gothic architecture, the church was constructed of brick and features a large rose window, arched windows, and a decorative main entrance with columns. The tower originally was originally topped by a spire but that was removed due to structural problems. First Baptist was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
The First Presbyterian Church was founded in 1840, making it the first Christian Organization in Chattanooga. The congregation first met in a log cabin, though quickly outgrew the accommodations and built a dedicated church in 1845. During the Civil War, the church was used as military hospital. This usage ruined the vast majority of the building and a new building was constructed soon after. The building was opened in 1910 and services are still held at this historic location.
This educational building was built in 1929 following a large growth in the congregation of the First Baptist Church. The building was designed by Rueben Harrison Hunt, a prominent Chattanooga architect. The interior of the building continued to be remodeled as donations came in. The bell within the church was from the 1837 church. During the Civil War the bell was painted Black to hide it from soldiers. The building was renovated in 1999 and continues to be used by the church today.
The lot that the Wiley Memorial United Methodist Church sits on was used by settlers as early as 1835. A log cabin was built on, what what known as Lot 10, which served as a schoolhouse and church. The First Centenary United Methodist Church began using the log cabin in 1842 and bought the land in 1847. They quickly built their own church on the site. In 1863, the Union Army occupied Chattanooga and used the building as a hospital. The building was destroyed by a fire in 1887. The First Centenary United Methodist Church, now called the Wiley Memorial United Methodist Church, has occupied the building since 1889.
Known as the "Jewel of the South," the Tivoli Theatre opened its doors in 1921. The theater was designed by Reuben H Hunt and constructed by Rapp and Rapp. Hunt took deep inspiration from Tivoli, Italy using terra cotta brick and cream tiles throughout the space. The theater still includes the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ that was first used in 1924. The Tivoli was privately owned and leased until 1976 when the city of Chattanooga purchased the building. The Theatre closed for renovations in 1987 and reopened 1989. The Tivoli is now the home to the Chattanooga Symphony and frequently holds performances from touring acts.
The Second Presbyterian Church was founded in 1871 with a congregation of 21 people. As the following grew, a new building was designed by Reuben Harrison Hunt, a prolific Chattanooga architect. Hunt designed the building in a Gothic Revival style. Second Presbyterian continues to hold services work throughout the Chattanooga community. Since 1984, the basement of the church has functioned as a shelter for homeless men.
Opening in 1947, the Carver Memorial Hospital was the first municipally-owned, tax-supported hospital for African-Americans in America. The hospital took it's name from George Washington Carver in recognition of his contribution to science. The hospital initially opened its doors because of the contributions from local attorney M.B. Finkelstein and a call from The Chattanooga Times asking readers to make donations. Carver closed its doors in 1962. The original building was taken down to make room for new construction in the 1980s. A roadside marker about the hospital stands on the grounds of the now demolished hospital building.
This Tour is a Walking Tour.
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This walking tour takes visitors to several monuments, landmarks, and historic buildings throughout the downtown Chattanooga area. We hope to add new stops as residents create additional entries in Clio.
