                   |
|
|
|
Chattanooga and its surrounding metropolitan area boast a population of more
than 450,000 people. More than 10 million people live within a 150 mile
radius of Chattanooga. Over and over, ordinary Chattanoogans have come
together to define what they want their community to be. Today's
Chattanooga is the result of their vision and determination. The sum total
of that vision, Chattanooga's quality of life, attracts newcomers and returning
natives alike. Chattanooga has enjoyed a community renaissance that has
brought us national and international recognition, and more importantly, has
improved the community's quality of life. It is a transformation that was
envisioned by thousands of Chattanoogans and accomplished through partnerships
among individuals, governments, companies, and non-profit organizations.
The work is never done, though. Renewing Chattanooga is an ongoing
commitment that draws on more people and touches more parts of our community
every year.
Often referred to as the "Scenic City of the South," this historic city is also becoming known as the "Great Lakes Region of the South" with nearly 50,000 acres of water and 1,000 miles of shoreline. A perimeter of mountains and the river form a natural frame for our picture-perfect beauty, every changing with four distinct seasons.
|
Whether you are returning to our area or moving
here for the first time, we think you'll feel at home in our little corner of
the beautiful Southeast. U.S. News and World Report recently
named Chattanooga "one of the best cities in the world." The New York
Times even highlighted the charm of our city and its nightlife and
restaurants.
Rolling farms, riverside homes, mountaintop hideaways and
walkable neighborhoods are all within a few minutes of each other.
Downtown living offers convenient access to work and numerous
"after-five" venues for enjoyment. Since 1990, over 300 new
housing units, including town homes, condos, and apartments have opened in the
downtown area. Families walk, run, and rollerblade along the popular
Tennessee Riverpark. Couples stroll across the Walnut Street Bridge.
The more adventurous bike and climb along the mountain peaks. Children's
laughter mixes with carousel music in the air surrounding Coolidge Park.
In May 2005, a month-long celebration was held to highlight the completion of
our 21st Century Waterfront Development - a $120 Million redevelopment of the
Chattanooga waterfront and downtown area. One of the highlights was the
dedication of "The Passage," a new pedestrian link between the Aquarium and the
Tennessee River. The Passage is located on the Trail of Tears at Ross’s
Landing, the city’s original settlement, named for the great Cherokee Chief John
Ross. “The Passage is not a token nod to the past. It is a massive
tribute – in the very cradle of our city -- to the culture, the art and the
accomplishments of the original citizens of Chattanooga. The Passage represents
our passage into a new era and underscores the premise that a community can
begin to atone for and reclaim the past by embracing it... The Passage is a
centerpiece of our city’s connection to the Tennessee River... It is more than
artwork, it is a fitting tribute celebrating the tremendous influence and
contribution the Cherokee people have had in shaping Chattanooga’s heritage and
culture.”
As visitors enter this permanent outdoor exhibit, seven doors imbedded in the
west wall symbolize the seven clans of the Cherokee Nation. A “weeping wall”
pours over the doors representing the tears shed as the Cherokee were driven
from their homes and removed on the Trail of Tears. Seven, six-foot ceramic
disks tell the story of the Cherokee Nation from hundreds of years of Native
American habitation in the southeast. Water runs under the massive disks into a
shallow pool under Riverfront Parkway, the ceiling of which is clad with
stainless steel. Imbedded in the pool is a giant stainless steel sculpture of
the Little Water Spider, who the Cherokee believe first brought man fire, which
will sparkle in the pool under the stainless ceiling. An additional water
feature is at the bottom of the Passage where water will be drawn from the river
and sprayed back in a water arc outside the Riverwalk. Seven, 14-foot tall
stainless steel sculptures of stickball players will grace the wall facing the
river, educating visitors about the game and its importance to Cherokee culture.