This marker points out why this particular road has this particular name. It's a very scenic route…read moreand definitely more fun to drive than where it parallels I-24. That said, it's windy and curvy and entirely too narrow for my comfort. Twice was enough. The marker reads, "In recognition of the rare vision, the indomitable courage and capacity of achievement of Will Cummings, county judge of Hamilton County, the pioneer of permanent road building and public improvements in east Tennessee and the Chattanooga district, the 1931 session of the state legislature of Tennessee by joint resolution designated this highway "The Will Cummings Highway."" "Here is one of the most picturesque highways of the state. It extends from Chattanooga to Jasper; passes under the historic point of Lookout Mountain (the site of the "Battle Above the Clouds"); above the famous "Mocassin Bend"; winds through Wauhatchie Valley and skirts the beautiful Tennessee River. Every foot of this scenic route was bitterly contested and fought for by the Federal and Confederate armies during the "War Between the States."" "This marker is erected by grateful citizens in appreciation of the services rendered Hamilton County and this section of the state by Judge Will Cummings."" There is a second marker with the same text at the Jasper end. On the Chattanooga side, there is a dry cleaner parking lot where you can stop to read the sign and take a breath after surviving this road. [Review 18797 overall - 333 in Tennessee - 2320 of 2022.]

This marker is located on the climb to the top of Lookout Mountain and is in a mostly residential…read moreneighborhood. I wonder how these people get here when the weather is poor because even on a dry afternoon, it was a challenging road. 4WD SUVs are recommended! The marker reads, "Founded here July 4, 1857, when its first trustees, representing Episcopal dioceses in ten Southern states, met to adopt the plan of Bishop (later Confederate General) Leonidas Polk for a university to be sponsored by the Episcopal Church. Following the colorful ceremony here, a second meeting of the Board was held in Montgomery, Alabama, in November, 1857, and Sewanee, Tennessee was chosen as the site." There is not much room to stop here but there was no traffic so blocking the road briefly wasn't a problem. [Review 18832 overall - 363 in Tennessee - 2355 of 2022.]

Reviewing a R O A D?? Haha, why not?…read more Not just any road; gorgeous country road(s) well worth the time to explore. This trajectory happens to take us to many of our destinations, and during these drives there are such unusual and inspiring new things we happen to see along the way, all quaint, all scenic and lovely. And we always see something new. Many parts of the road afford amazing views. Views of the surrounding mountains, and of the waterfalls, forests and wildlife. Just be careful on these roads as they have many twists and turns and also can be dangerous during inclement weather. Many of the twisty-turny parts have narrow passes so be aware of other cars when they approach yours and be patient and polite when drivers's speeds in front of you are a bit slower than yours. [I'm] only being cautious, as it can be dangerous, especially during the decent, even in good weather! As far as when colder weather hits Chattanooga, I haven't come across the road being closed during the Winter months yet, although I've been told the road closes when heavy snow storms mixed with ice and cold hit. Just remember that the elevation on this road is much higher than the average, which typically makes the mountainous areas colder and more icy, and thus, subject to much more abject weather. If you go, one of the best times is during heavy rainfall. That will be when you will 100 percent view the many quickly-falling waterfalls along the sides of the road. This is one of the best things about the drive. Don't worry about being overwhelmed by the roadway getting flooded. There is great infrastructure and planning in place that the engineers have designed. It moves the excess water along extremely well via trenches along the sides of the road which end up cycling the rain down to sea level. That's why Chattanooga is so green! Other times, when the trees are full of leaves and the days are sunny and warm, take the drive and stop at the many turnoffs that will take you to spots with terrific views. Some of these are also within walking distance to nearby trails where you just may find a waterfall inside at the end of your journey. Don't forget to lock your car before you leave it on the turnoff. And don't forget to take your water and camera with you! Have fun and enjoy the nature around you!

Located on the sidewalk in front of a parking deck, this marker points out some local history. I do…read morehave to wonder why it's here at this spot on Market Street in downtown Chattanooga. Is the "here" referenced on the marker actually *here*? The marker reads, "Born in 1883, Ernest Walter Holmes, Sr., opened Chattanooga's first independent auto-repair garage at 318 Market Street. Here in 1916 he invented the twin-boom wrecker. Holmes pioneered and patented numerous improvements in the towing and recovery industry. He expanded his company into an international enterprise. Manufacturer of the first military wrecker during World War II, he supplied thousands of twin-boom wreckers to the allied forces from 1941 through 1945." Holmes, who was born in Hobbs Island, Alabama, attached various components to his 1913 Cadillac to create the first tow truck. After helping John Wiley, a friend from business school, whose Model T had toppled over into a ditch, Holmes had the idea. Holmes then modified the Cadillac by attaching an iron chain, a pulley, and poles to the back of the vehicle in order to pull vehicles and deliver them to his garage. The towing industry was established as a result of Holmes' fast patenting of his innovation. There is more information on Holmes at the International Towing & Recovery Museum which is about 3 miles south of here: https://www.yelp.com/biz/international-towing-and-recovery-museum-chattanooga?hrid=hxIshRXyQ16BXi0pdW7Bdw. [Review 18806 overall - 342 in Tennessee - 2329 of 2022.]

This marker is located in front of the parking area for the Ruby Falls attraction and there is room…read morehere to stop and read the sign. There is a lot of text on the sign. It reads, " The Chattanooga area was firmly controlled by the Chickamauga Indians at the time of The American Revolution. The Cherokee Indian chiefs had signed peace and land treaties with the Colonial settlers. However, a small group of rebellious Cherokees were not in accord with these treaties and continued unabated warfare with the expanding settlers. They were called the Chickamaugas and were led by Chief Dragging Canoe. They were actively supported by the British through local agents and traders. The Government of North Carolina authorized a Military Campaign against them in the summer of 1782, pledging Continental Congressional support. Colonel John Sevier organized a force of some of 250 "Nolichucky Riflemen" to pursue the Chickamaugas and to rescue captives. On September 20, 1782, after several minor encounters, Sevier and his men engaged the Chickamaugas in a battle high in the palisades at the north end of Lookout Mountain. The Frontiersmen's accurate rifle fire soon overcame their foes. This was an official Revolutionary War engagement and is considered by many to be the LAST "OVERMOUNTAIN" BATTLE OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION." "The preliminary signing of the peace treaty ending the Revolution was on November 30, 1782." The marker was installed in 2007 2007 by the John Sevier Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution. [Review 18831 overall - 362 in Tennessee - 2354 of 2022.]

The Walnut Street Bridge is awesome has been converted into a great pedestrian walkway. But there's…read morealso this one, the Market Street Bridge which is officially the Chief John Ross Bridge since 1950. It is open to vehicles but also has raised sidewalks for pedestrians. It is a drawbridge and carries North Market Street across the Tennessee River. It was completed in 1917 and has concrete arch spans with the center span being a bascule. It is a double-leaf Scherzer rolling lift that stands about 70 feet above the river. The bridge is an easy walk though there is no barrier from traffic other than the raised curb. If you're concerned about traffic, you should walk the other bridge. [Review 18816 overall - 351 in Tennessee - 2339 of 2022.]

Some friends and I walked across it at night. It's very well lit and the view is still great even…read morein the dark.

This marker is located on a busy street, almost directly across from the International Towing &…read moreRecovery Hall of Fame. It points out that the home is not far away and since that would be in the middle of what appears to be an industrial neighborhood, this is a good spot for it. The marker reads, "The home of this early trader and pioneer stood about 250 yards east. Born in Scotland, 1760, coming to this area in 1785, he shortly after married a daughter of John McDonald, trader, who lived at the site of Rossville, Ga. His eldest son, John, became a famous chief of the Cherokee. First school in the Cherokee Nation was at the Ross home, about 1800." This is marker 2A 29 and it was erected by the Tennessee Historical Commission. There is parking in the lot across the street to view the marker. [Review 18829 overall - 360 in Tennessee - 2352 of 2022.]

It is hard to miss this large monument at the end of Crest Road where it meets US-27. The 72-foot…read moretall obelisk was dedicated on November 20, 1906 and commemorates the battle of Missionary RIdge of November 25, 1863. The monument includes an outline of the state of Iowa, several soldiers around the base and one on top holding an unfurled flag. The engravings read, "May this shaft register alike the sacrifice of our fallen brothers and our purpose to perpetuate their memory by citizenship worthyof the heritage they left us, a re-united and glorious union." "In the final contest for Missionary Ridge, four Iowa Regiments were engaged on the Confederate right flank, six others with battery on the Confederate left and rear. The movement from Rossville brought the latter past this position, ending later in the assault upon the ridge, and two days afterwards in the battle of Ringgold, GA." "The state of Iowa is proud of your achievements and renders you her homage and gratitude and with exultant heart claims you as her sons." "Iowa erects this monument in memory of all her soldiers who took part in the Battles of Lookout Mountain Missionary Ridge and Ringgold." This is a small park reservation, possibly the furthest from Lookout Mountain and the Chickamauga Battlefield. There is some parking nearby. [Review 18843 overall - 550 in Georgia - 2366 of 2022.]