Dear Hamilton,
When the weather is nice, I love to head downtown to Ross’s Landing to take in the river views. As I was sitting on the steps the other day, I started wondering about its namesake. Who is Ross, and what can you tell me about the history of this local spot?
Sincerely,
Looking Back on the Landing
John Ross (Photo Courtesy of the Chattanooga Public Library)
Dear Looking Back on the Landing,
Great question! Ross’s Landing is centuries old and a crucial part of Chatta-nooga’s history. That’s because when you visit Ross’s Landing, you aren’t just at a popular park downtown – you’re at the birthplace of Chattanooga itself!
Unveiling of historic marker at Ross’s Landing, 1976 (Photo Courtesy of the Chattanooga Public Library)
Ross’s Landing was established in 1816 by John Ross – its namesake and a prominent Cherokee leader. Ross operated a ferry and trading post at the landing, connecting the Cherokee lands to the U.S. lands north of the river. Hamilton County was organized in 1819, and Ross’s Landing served as a business center for the county. While Ross moved to Georgia shortly after, he stayed connected to the region, and in 1828 he was elected principal chief of the Cherokee nation. In 1838, the Ross’s Landing community voted to change its name to Chattanooga, and one year later, our city was officially incorporated.
3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival at Ross’s Landing
However, it would soon become the site of a somber time in history. That same year, the Ross’s Landing location became the designated boat departure point for the Cherokee during the Trail of Tears – the forced displacement of Southeastern tribes in response to the Indian Removal Act of 1830. Though John Ross advocated against the removal, he and his family joined the Cherokee on their journey westward to what is now Oklahoma, where he continued to lead his people until his death in 1866.
Ross’s Landing also played an important role during the Civil War. Union soldiers crossed the Tennessee River to this site and successfully ended the siege of Chattanooga. It also served as a critical supply route that helped the Union army then advance to Missionary Ridge and Lookout Mountain and achieve further victories.
Illustration of Ross’s Landing, 1871 (Photo Courtesy of the Chattanooga Public Library)
In the following century, the site continued to serve as a boat dock and received historic markers honoring its past, but saw little development. This would change in the early 2000s, thanks to the “21st Century Waterfront” plan, a major renovation project that transformed Ross’s Landing into a public park that connected the Tennessee Aquarium to the riverfront. It added an amphitheater, open green space, river pier, marina, walkways, and more, providing the perfect place for people to go for a stroll, soak in the sun, or watch the sun set over the river.
Today, Ross’s Landing continues to play host to locals and visitors – like yourself! – year-round. The landmark location can be found bustling with activity as families enjoy its features, tourists take in the river views, and all sorts of events make use of its prime location in the heart of downtown.
Ross’s Landing present day
The park also includes installations that commemorate the history of the Cherokee people. “The Passage” is a permanent public art installation that memorializes and celebrates the culture of the Cherokee people through symbolic artwork and multiple water features. During warmer months, water cascades down the walkway’s steps, which lead to the riverfront, serving as an interactive exhibit that families frequent during summertime.
Plus, the city has exciting plans for the park’s future. The “Evolving Our Riverfront Parks” plan intends to revitalize Ross’s Landing with enhancements that honor its history and embrace its ecology. These include adding shade trees and native plants, restaurant spaces, a play area, and upgrading the existing pier.
Next time you visit Ross’s Landing, you can enjoy front-row seats to views of our city and its scenic surroundings, knowing that you’re standing right where it all began!
Hope this helps!
Hamilton Bush
Resident History Hound
Chattanooga, TN
