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

William (Uncle Bill) Lewis

1810-1896

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 10, 2010

1. William (Uncle Bill) Lewis Marker

Inscription. William Lewis was born in Winchester, Tennessee, in 1810 as a slave. When he was old enough, Lewis was taught the blacksmith trade. By working at odd times, he was able to save enough money to purchase the freedom of his wife so his children would be born free.

William Lewis came to Chattanooga in 1837 when it was still called Ross' Landing. He continued to work and soon paid for his own freedom. In 1851 Lewis purchased the freedom of his mother, brother and sister. He operated a blacksmith shop at this location and became very prosperous during the civil war. His men forged the shackles for Andrews' Raiders after the famous locomotive chase from Big Shanty, Georgia, to Chattanooga, and his son, George, fitted them on each prisoner.

Erected 1990 by Mary Walker Historical and Educational Foundation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Industry & Commerce • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1810.

Location. 35° 2.905′ N, 85° 18.566′ W. Marker is in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in Hamilton County. It is in City Center. Marker is at the intersection of West 7th Street and Market Street (Tennessee Route 8), on the right when traveling west on West 7th Street. This

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

historical marker is affixed to the front southeast corner of a commercial building, just a few steps west of a state historical marker that also features William, Uncle Bill, Lewis. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Chattanooga TN 37402, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Central Block Building / Site of First Presbyterian Church (here, next to this marker); William "Uncle Bill" Lewis (a few steps from this marker); Miller Brothers Department Store c. 1898 (within shouting distance of this marker); Chattanooga Daily Rebel (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); G. W. Franklin (about 700 feet away); Ochs/Times Building (about 800 feet away); Old Library Building (about 800 feet away); First Methodist Church (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chattanooga.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 10, 2010

2. William (Uncle Bill) Lewis Marker

View of historical marker affixed to the southeast corner of a commercial building on the northwest corner of Market Street and West 7th Street.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 10, 2010

3. William (Uncle Bill) Lewis Marker

View of historical marker looking north on Market Street.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 10, 2010

4. William (Uncle Bill) Lewis Marker

View of historical marker looking west on West 7th Street.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 10, 2010

5. William (Uncle Bill) Lewis Marker

View of historical marker to the left of the picture with the state historical marker featuring William, Uncle Bill, Lewis to the right of the picture.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 4, 2011, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,225 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on January 4, 2011, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.