1540 to 1541 — Hernando DeSoto's Spanish expedition travels along the Tennessee River in search of gold and adventure stopping in Chattanooga on his journey.
1600's — The Tennessee River is an important part of the French trade route between the Mississippi Valley and Charleston, South Carolina.
Early 1700's — The French have established trading posts along the river.
1760 — There is conflict between the French and the English for control of trade with the Indians, resulting in the French and Indian War. The end of this war leaves the English in control of the area.
1816 — Ross's Landing is established by Chief John Ross of the Cherokee Indians.
1819 — Hamilton County is formed.
1837 to 1850 — The Western & Atlantic Railroad is being built, routed to end in Chattanooga.
1838 — Chattanooga becomes the official name of the city. Cherokee parties leave on their journey west along the Trail of Tears.
1840's — Robert Cravens builds the Bluff Furnace, a replica of which stands in the original location next to the Walnut Street Bridge.
1860 — Chattanooga's population reaches 2,000, making it a large city for the time period.
1863 — The Campaign for Chattanooga brings the struggle between the North and the South to the banks of the Tennessee River and the surrounding mountains.
1867 — The First Congregationalist Church of Chattanooga becomes the first church in the South to welcome both black and white members.
1890 — The nation's first national military park is established, Chickamauga-Chattanooga National Military Park.
1890 — Due to the large iron manufacturing industry, Chattanooga becomes known as the "Pittsburgh of the South."
1891 - Walnut Street Bridge is built.
1894 — Bessie Smith, Empress of the Blues, is born in Chattanooga.
1895 — The Lookout Mountain Incline Railway is completed.
1908 — The Chattanooga Choo Choo Terminal Station is built.
1928 — Ruby Falls is discovered.
1932 — Rock City opens.
1933 — Tennessee Valley Authority is formed to stop flooding.
Late 1940's — The song, Chattanooga Choo Choo by Glenn Miller, becomes the first gold record.
1948 — The city became the first major southern city to have African-American Police Officers.
1969 — Walter Cronkite announces on the Evening News that Chattanooga is America's dirtiest city, a remark that will spur on Chattanooga's citizens to change the direction the city is heading.
1976 — Miller Park is opened.
1982 — Riverbend, a nine-day music festival held at Ross's Landing, begins.
1982 — The Vision 2000 project is formed to develop recommendations for how to revitalize the riverfront and downtown.
1992 — Tennessee Aquarium is built.
1993 — Reopening of the Walnut Street Bridge as the world's longest pedestrian bridge.
City of Chattanooga Web Site
Pictures of Chattanooga
