Ross's Landing, the original settlement that became Chattanooga in 1839, traced its founding to adventurous individuals who traversed the Tennessee River in search of fertile soil and trade. During the Civil War, the juxtaposition of river and railroads made Chattanooga a critical target for Union control. In the years following the war, industrialization and increased population of the "Dynamo of Dixie" propelled Chattanooga into the seat of county government by 1870. But while river traffic and trading proved profitable for city businesses, the waterway often made commerce within the area difficult and separated families.
On Feb. 18, 1891, a ceremony opened the Walnut Street Bridge, dominated area newspapers and captured the attention of Hamilton County residents. Following Chattanooga Mayor Isaac Merriman's speech, A.J. Springfield spoke for Hill City residents on the north side of the Tennessee River. "No one feels happier ... than the people I represent, over the results obtained and the benefits and blessings that will be derived in the future on account of this great structure and thoroughfare that spans the Tennessee River," he said. "This bridge connects two cities that are destined to be classed with the leading cities of the South."
Springfield then explained to the hundreds of attendees that Hill City was actually three communities: Hill City "proper," North Chattanooga and Northside, and each was increasing in population: "We expect at the next Federal census to compete with Chattanooga on population, wealth and such industries as will make our people happy and prosperous." He invited Chattanooga's citizens to stroll across the bridge and "view one of the grandest suburban cities your eyes have ever beheld ...," and then concluded his remarks by addressing the members of the County Court standing on the bridge. "On behalf of the people of Hill City," he said, "I extend our heartfelt and sincere thanks."
Springfield turned and offered his hand to County Judge Hugh Whiteside. The judge announced that he would "not attempt to speak at all" except to remind listeners that he had seen "Chattanooga with muddy roads and now you have streets with asphalt. I have seen ox-cart supplanted by cars propelled by electricity, and I have seen the old swing ferry now supplanted by this beautiful structure. I hope it has all been done to suit you." He then introduced his friend, U.S. District Court Judge David McKendree Key.
Key had previously served as U.S. senator from Tennessee and U.S. postmaster general, and his introduction was accompanied by thunderous applause. He responded by noting "that this is a day of rejoicing as is evident by the vast throng assembled here." Key recalled that he came to Chattanooga 38 years earlier and had often been forced to "seek the hospitality of our Hill City neighbors" when gatherings across the river ran late or a storm arose. "Here is a noble work, standing for the ages as the everlasting hills." The excitement grew and the speeches continued.
Commissioner A.J. Gahagan expanded on Key's remarks, noting that flowing waters of the Tennessee River would no longer create a barrier between "the north and south sides." Observing that he believed the Walnut Street Bridge was the "best investment the county ever made," Key speculated that in less than five years North Chattanooga would boast of a population in the thousands and that the increased tax base would retire any debt associated with the bridge.
And then Col. Thomlinson Fort spoke. Noted for his dramatic oratorical skills, he did not disappoint the people crowded near the reviewing stand. He paused, gazed toward the river, and lifted his eyes. "When Gabriel shall blow his trumpet and the dead, small and great, shall stand before God," he said, "old John Ross will arise and see this bridge. He will say: 'Who has been here since I've been gone?' Ross's Landing will have disappeared. A great God ... has given us this land and smiles on us today, saying 'it was good.'"
Attention was then directed to the flagstaff, which extended far above the top of the bridge. Mrs. J.A. Fairleigh "gracefully pulled the ropes and a beautiful American flag floated proudly over the bridge" as the military guard fired a volley. Hamilton County citizens cheered as the bridge united their communities, and then the band played "The Land of the Free" as all joined in song.
Linda Moss Mines is the Chattanooga and Hamilton County historian. For more on local history, visit Chattahistoricalassoc.org.