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

Vintage Moments

Ruby Falls

Photographed by Tom Bosse, March 19, 2022

1. Vintage Moments Marker

Inscription.
An Unconventional Plan Takes Shape
In 1928, excavation began on an elevator shaft to descend 420 feet through solid limestone into the heart of a mountain to access Lookout Mountain Cave. It was the first elevator in the world to descend through a cave and the tallest elevator shaft in Chattanooga – a record that still stands today. The excavated stone was used to build the Cavern Castle.

Celebrity Guests
Ruby Falls has welcomed many celebrities, including famous actors, athletes, and musicians since opening in 1929. In April 1931, the New York Yankees were in town to play the Chattanooga Lookouts. While in town, Babe Ruth made a historic visit to Ruby Falls.

Cavern Castle Dinner Dances
In the 190s, Ruby Falls hosted popular dinner dances in the beautiful Cavern Castle. Live music, a wonderful dinner, the biggest “ballroom” in the city, and a romantic rooftop garden made Ruby Falls the place to be for a night out in Chattanooga.

Wedding Vows
Just months after opening for tours, Lookout Mountain Cave hosed its first wedding in February 1930. Over the years, Ruby Falls has been a memorable venue

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for many one-of-a-kind weddings, dreamy proposals, and special honeymoon visits. The combination of the natural wonder’s beauty and sense of adventure inspire many to say “yes” and “I do” at Ruby Falls.

Erected by Ruby Falls.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1930.

Location. 35° 1.152′ N, 85° 20.357′ W. Marker is in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in Hamilton County. It is on Scenic Highway (Tennessee Route 148) west of Cummings Hwy (U.S. 41), on the left when traveling north. Marker is located atop the Cavern Castle at Ruby Falls. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1720 Scenic Hwy, Chattanooga TN 37409, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

Photographed by Tom Bosse, March 19, 2022

2. Vintage Moments Marker

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named Vintage Moments (here, next to this marker); Lookout Mountain (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Camp Ross (about 600 feet away); Iowa State Monument (approx. 0.3 miles away); Woods' Brigade (approx. 0.3 miles away); Williamson's Brigade (approx. 0.3 miles away); Osterhaus' Division (approx. 0.3 miles away); 84th Illinois Infantry (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chattanooga.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.

Photographed by Tom Bosse, March 19, 2022

3. Vintage Moments Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 26, 2026, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 50 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 26, 2026, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.