National Register Listings in
Hamilton County, Tennessee

Bachman, Nathan L. School Bonny Oaks Brabson House Brainerd Junior High Brainerd Mission Cemetery Brown House Brown's Ferry Tavern Central Block Building Chattanooga Bank Building Chattanooga Car Barns Chattanooga Electric Railway Chattanooga National Cemetery Chattanooga Plow Power House Chattanooga, Harrison, Georgetown & Charleston Railroad Tunnel Chickamauga Hydroelectric Project Christ Church Episcopal Civil War Fortification Connor Toll House Crane Building Cravens-Coleman House Cummings, Judge Will, House Dixie Mercerizing Company Douglas, Hiram, House Downtown Chattanooga Historic District Engel Stadium Faxon-Thomas Mansion Ferger Place Historic District First Baptist Church Education Building First Congregational Church First Presbyterian Church Fort Wood Historic District Fountain Square Gaskill House Glenwood Historic District Hamilton County Courthouse Highland Park Methodist Episcopal church Highland Park Methodist Episcopal Church, South Hutcheson House Isbester, Caleb, House James Building James County Courthouse Jones, Clarence T., Observatory Kelley House King, M. L., Boulevard Historic District Lookout Mountain Caverns and Cavern Castle Lookout Mountain Incline Railway Louise Terrace Apartments Maclellan Building Market and Main Streets Historic District Market Square-Patten Parkway Market Street Bridge Market Street Warehouse Historic District Matthews, Pleasant L., House McConnell, Chancellor T. M., House Medical Arts Building Mikado Locomotive No. 4501 Miller Brothers Department Store Missionary Ridge Historic District Model Electric Home Municipal Building Northside United Presbyterian Oak Grove Elementary School Ochs Building Old Library Building Old Post Office Read House Ridgedale Methodist Episcopal Church Ross's Landing Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church and Buildings Schwartz, Robert, and Company Building Second Presbyterian Church Shavin, Seamour and Gerte, House Shiloh Baptist Church Signal Knitting Mills Signal Mountain Elementary School Signal Mountain Historic District Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium Southern Railway Freight Depot St. Elmo Historic District St. Paul's Episcopal Church Standard-Coosa-Thatcher Mills Stone Fort Land Company Historic District Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Rolling Stock Terminal Station Tivoli Theater Topside Trigg-Smartt Building Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church Turnbull Cone and Machine Company U.S. Post Office W Road Walnut Street Bridge Wauhatchie Pike Wiley United Methodist Church Willard, Frances, House Wyatt Hall
Tennessee was the last state to secede from the Union during the Civil War. It joined the Confederacy in June 1861, but a significant portion of its population remained loyal to the Union, leading to a bitter and divided conflict within the state.
Hamilton County, Tennessee has a rich history dating back to prehistoric times. The area was originally home to Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, who inhabited the region for centuries. In the 18th century, European settlers began to arrive, leading to conflict with the indigenous populations. The Treaty of 1819 forced many Cherokees to relocate, clearing the way for white settlement in Hamilton County.

Hamilton County was officially established in 1819, named after founding father Alexander Hamilton. The county's early economy revolved around agriculture, with cotton being the primary crop. The construction of various transportation routes, such as the Tennessee River and railroad networks, helped fuel the region's growth. Chattanooga, the county seat, became a major transportation hub, connecting the East and the Midwest.

During the Civil War, Hamilton County witnessed significant military engagements. The Battle of Chickamauga in 1863 was a pivotal moment, resulting in Confederate forces gaining control of Chattanooga temporarily. However, Union forces subsequently reclaimed the city and established it as a leading supply base for their campaigns. Chattanooga's strategic location made it a target for both Confederate and Union forces throughout the war.

In the 20th century, Hamilton County experienced rapid industrialization and urbanization. Manufacturing industries, including steel and textile mills, flourished in the region. With its strong transportation infrastructure and access to natural resources, the county became a major industrial center. The city of Chattanooga transformed into a thriving economic and cultural center, known for its scenic beauty, vibrant arts scene, and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Today, Hamilton County continues to be a diverse and dynamic community, blending its historical significance with modern development. The county's rich history, combined with its natural landscapes and urban amenities, make it an attractive place to live, work, and visit.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Hamilton County, Tennessee.

  • 1819: Hamilton County was established on October 25, 1819, from the Cherokee Indian lands.
  • 1839: Chattanooga became the county seat of Hamilton County on December 30, 1839.
  • 1861-1865: During the American Civil War, Hamilton County was occupied by both Union and Confederate forces.
  • 1904: The Chattanooga Choo Choo train depot was built, becoming an iconic symbol of the city.
  • 1919: The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) was established, bringing economic development and flood control measures to the region.
  • 1970s: Hamilton County experienced rapid industrial growth, attracting major manufacturing companies and contributing to economic expansion.
  • 1980: The Tennessee Aquarium, one of the largest freshwater aquariums in the world, opened in downtown Chattanooga.
  • 1991: The Walnut Street Bridge, a historic pedestrian bridge, was renovated and reopened as a popular gathering spot.
  • 2000s: Hamilton County became a hub for technology and innovation, with the establishment of the Chattanooga Gigabit Community, providing high-speed internet to residents and businesses.
  • 2019: Hamilton County celebrated its bicentennial, marking 200 years of history and progress.