Location: The town rests at the southern end of the Cumberland Plateau on Walden's Ridge and is surrounded by natural beauty and views of the Tennessee River Gorge.
Geographic area: 7.6 square miles
Population: 7,554
Date founded: April 4, 1919
History: The town is named after a promontory of land called Signal Point, which was used by Native Americans to signal important messages. The point was also used by Union troops during the Civil War as a point of observation. Signal Mountain became a place of escape for families living in the Tennessee Valley during the cholera and yellow fever epidemics of the late 19th century. By 1925, 200 homes were built on the mountain, and the town was transitioning from a seasonal retreat to the home of full-time residents.
Government: Council-manager form of government: Mayor Dick Gee, Vice Mayor Bill Wallace, council members Bill Lusk, Chris Howley and Robert Spalding.
Schools: Thrasher and Nolan elementaries, Signal Mountain Middle/High, Signal Mountain Christian.
Median household income: $91,911 and 68 percent of residents are college educated.
Landmarks: Signal Point National Park is enjoyed for its panoramic view and recognized as the smallest park in the National Park System. Rainbow Lake is located in the park and is a popular destination for hikers. Eighteen miles of trails weave throughout the town, looping from Shackleford Ridge Park through Prentice Cooper State Forest, also connecting to other town parks.
Fun facts: In 1913, C.E. James built the Signal Mountain Inn -- a grand hotel -- and a trolley for transportation between the valley and the top of the mountain. Five years later, James added a golf course to the community. This development is now known as the Old Town District. In 1936, the inn was purchased by the Alexian Brothers, and became what is now known as Alexian Village, a nationally recognized retirement community.
Most famous residents: Award-winning children's author William O. Steele (1917-1979) and poet Emma Bell Miles (1879-1919).
A "Must See": The Mountain Opry, located just outside the town's limits, was described by the New York Times as "the place to be on Friday nights" for those who enjoy "knee-slapping bluegrass and old-time mountain music."
Sources: United States Census Bureau, www.signalmountaintn.gov