Los Angeles has the Hollywood sign. Chicago has the bean, which is actually called Cloud Gate. And when you think of Nashville, maybe the Batman building or the Grand Ole Opry come to mind.
We wanted to know what iconic landmark is most representative of Chattanooga, so we asked you all to tell us what makes you think most of our fair city.
Then we narrowed it down to the classics and asked you to vote.
The list
The aquarium’s two iconic buildings have glass peaks that stand out in the city’s skyline. Since opening in 1992, the private, not-for-profit organization has played a significant role in the city’s economic development. The original idea to have an aquarium near the waterfront came from UT students during a 1985 master planning effort.
It’s one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world. The Walnut Street Bridge, erected in 1891, connects downtown and North Chattanooga. It’s the state’s oldest non-military highway bridge still in use today.
3️⃣ The Chattanooga Choo Choo/Terminal Station
Terminal Station is the entrance to what is now the Chattanooga Choo Choo hotel/complex. It’s the part that narrowly escaped demolition in the ‘70s when a group of local businessmen saved it.
4️⃣ Lookout Mountain
If you ever get confused about what mountain is which, remember Lookout Mountain has a distinctive point and slope. The landmark has endless historic significance, including a major Civil War battle. Johnny Cash has also crooned about the natural feature. 🚉
5️⃣ Point Park
Atop Lookout Mountain, Point Park is a part of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. It’s the site of the aforementioned Civil War battle, commonly called “The Battle Above The Clouds.” ☁️
6️⃣ Fountain Square Firefighter Memorial
This fountain is outside of what’s now a restaurant called Universal Joint and adjacent to the Hamilton County Courthouse. It’s a memorial to firefighters who died in a fire in 1887. 🚒
It’s 652 miles long and runs directly through Chattanooga. The name may have come from the name of a Cherokee village, and the body of water was strategically important during the Civil War.
This landmark is 1,700-feet above sea level and has a 100-foot waterfall that flows down Lookout Mountain. Barns with phrases such as “See Rock City” painted on the side used to serve as a major form of advertising, but they are more about history and nostalgia today. Three years ago, Rock City marked the 80th anniversary of the barns first appearing as advertising icons. In addition to actual barns being used for advertising, now smaller red barns that say “See Rock City” are also synonymous with Chattanooga.
Reader responses
“I love the fireman statue when the tulips are in bloom!” @binion25
“[The fireman statue is] Listed on the National Register too!” @deserve2preserve
“The Choo Choo sign when it is lit up you could see it from the ridge cut at night.” @Lea.carter1
“The bend of the river as seen from Missionary Ridge.” @atant
“I’d have to say when people think Chattanooga, probably Choo Choo. 🤔? Also thought of Rock City because we have seen the painted red barns for over 20+ yrs for miles away.” @deb_realtor
“Lookout Mountain, imo. Or Bea’s. 😁” @triplej118
Your top pick
Here’s a breakdown of how you all voted.
The overwhelming winner was the Walnut Street Bridge with the Tennessee Aquarium coming in second.
Hello, snark
We love our readers, in part, for their senses of humor.
We had some write-in and sarcastic responses to our question about the city’s most iconic landmark. ⬇️
“Pilgrim’s Pride.” @chrismwillis
“Potholes.” @chadcapehart
“Chili’s on 4th st. 😂” @christian_nathaniel_chacon