The city of Chattanooga was incorporated in 1839, following the establishment of the Ross’s Landing settlement in 1816 by brothers John and Lewis Ross.
Now that 185+ years have passed, the city and its streets are chock-full of vibrant history. It’s safe to say that over the years, the city has been touched by countless historical figures and happenings — many of which have shaped the names of Chattanooga’s buildings, parks, and streets.
In this guide, we’re delving into the history of Chattanooga’s streets — specifically how they were named.
Downtown
Chattanooga’s Downtown is known for its vibrancy and urban charm. From City Center and the Bluff View Arts District to the West Village and MLK Boulevard — there are plenty of opportunities for shopping, entertainment, and dining.
MLK Boulevard | This downtown street once went by another name — Ninth Street — before becoming MLK Boulevard in the 1980s. The street’s original name gave way to the surrounding community’s nickname of “The Big Nine,” the center of a nightclub district that rivaled Memphis’ Beale Street. The street was later named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. when local citizens + the Black Coalition of Chattanooga campaigned for the rename.
Patten Parkway | Formerly known as Market Square + centered around the site of the Old City Market, this area was renamed to honor the late Z.C. Patten in 1945. Patten Square is now the home to public art, restaurants, and commercial businesses.
North + East Chattanooga
Across the Tennessee River is known for its scenic views and arts scene. Heading further north is home to residential neighborhoods and industrial buildings.
Bonny Oaks Drive | Bonny Oaks Drive shares a name with the school that once stood on its street. The school was a home for orphaned children who were usually deemed neglected or dependent by the court, and ran from 1895 through 1985. Another property on the street, the historic Dent House (now inhabited by Genesis House of Tea), was owned by Captain C.C. Peak in 1867, who named it “Bonnie Oaks” for the oak trees that surrounded the homestead.
Amnicola Highway | This highway is named after the farm owned by Thomas Crutchfield, Jr. He operated the city’s largest hotel at the time, the Crutchfield House, which is now the Read House Hotel.
Suck Creek Road | This road runs parallel to the creek that got its name from where it flows into the Tennessee River. Its rapids + whirlpools were said to suck in boats before the dam on the river submerged the rapids.
Southside + St. Elmo
Both of these neighborhoods are historically rich. You’ll find cozy restaurants and shops at the base of Lookout Mountain in St. Elmo and lively nightlife scenes in Southside.
Main Street | Now a street home to various Southside businesses — and the upcoming MAINx24 festival — Main Street was once Montgomery Avenue, named after trial lawyer and early settler of Chattanooga, Rush Montgomery. One of Southside’s restaurants, Hello Monty, was even named after Montgomery + the original street name on which the restaurant resides.
St. Elmo Avenue | This historic town was first a Cherokee community. Later in 1905, the town was incorporated as St. Elmo, with the name taken from the title of a novel written by Augusta J. Evans Williams, who spent time in the area during the mid-1800s + compared it to a view similar to St. Elmo Castle in Naples, Italy.
