City Center in Chattanooga in Hamilton County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Chattanooga's First School

Photographed By R. E. Smith, December 23, 2007

1. Chattanooga's First School Marker

Inscription. In 1835 a log structure near the corner of Fifth and Lookout Sts, served this area as schoolhouse, church, and community center. Community leaders met here in 1838 and selected "Chattanooga" as the name for the Future city.

The official act was passed by the Tennessee General Assembly on Dec. 20, 1839.

Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 2A 76.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee Historical Commission series list. A significant historical date for this entry is December 20, 1839.

Location. 35° 3.058′ N, 85° 18.381′ W. Marker is in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in Hamilton County. It is in City Center. Marker is at the intersection of Lookout Street and East Fifth Street, on the right when traveling north on Lookout Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Chattanooga TN 37401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Point in the Line of Fort Sherman (here, next to this marker); Swaim's Jail (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of General Bragg's Headquarters (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Headquarters of Brigadier General George D. Wagner

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(about 600 feet away); Hamilton County (about 700 feet away); a different marker also named Point in the Line of Fort Sherman (approx. 0.2 miles away); Frances Willard House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Military History of Chattanooga (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chattanooga.

Photographed By R. E. Smith, December 23, 2007

2. Chattanooga's First School Marker

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, August 5, 2014

3. Chattanooga's First School Marker

View of the historical marker at the southeast corner of the intersection.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, August 5, 2014

4. Chattanooga's First School Marker

View of the historical marker in front of the northwest corner of the Bethlehem - Wiley Church, in downtown Chattanooga.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 27, 2008, by R. E. Smith of Nashville, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 1,547 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 27, 2008, by R. E. Smith of Nashville, Tennessee. 3, 4. submitted on August 16, 2014, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.