(Editor’s note: First of two parts)
The announcement was front-page news in the Chattanooga Daily Times on Feb. 18, 1891, with a headline reading: “The Walnut Street Bridge to be Formally Opened Today: An Immense Crowd will be Present.” A tone of excitement permeated the article, noting that civic and military organizations would “march in procession” down Market Street and “thence to the bridge” where the christening ceremony would begin.
Chattanoogans had long awaited a bridge connecting the county seat with Hill City and Hamilton County residents “north of the river.” The predicted response to this “so important event in the history of Chattanooga” was that it would be “doubtless the biggest crowd that ever assembled in any one locality of the city.” It was an event designed to draw families from both sides of the Tennessee River.
How did Chattanooga plan to celebrate the new landmark?
Those participating in the planned procession were to assemble at 2:15 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce offices and begin their “step off” at 2:30 p.m., making their way down Market to Fourth Street, up Fourth (using the sidewalk for safety) to Walnut Street and the approach to the bridge.