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

William "Uncle Bill" Lewis

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

1. William "Uncle Bill" Lewis Marker

Inscription. Born a slave in Winchester, Tennessee, William Lewis came to Chattanooga in 1837, when it was Ross' Landing. After building a thriving blacksmith business, Lewis purchased his and his wife's freedom. In 1851, he purchased the freedom of his mother, brother, and sister. In his blacksmith shop, leg irons were forged and fitted for Andrews' Raiders, Union spies during the Civil War.

Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 2A 84.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1837.

Location. 35° 2.907′ N, 85° 18.575′ W. Marker is in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in Hamilton County. It is in City Center. Marker is on Market Street near 7th Street, on the left when traveling north. 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. William (Uncle Bill) Lewis (a few steps from this marker); Central Block Building / Site of First Presbyterian Church (a few steps from this marker); Miller Brothers Department Store c. 1898

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(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 (approx. 0.2 miles away); Old Library Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); Hamilton County (approx. 0.2 miles 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 looking north up Market Street in downtown Chattanooga.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, July 10, 2010

3. William "Uncle Bill" Lewis Marker

View of historical marker in right of picture, looking west towards nearby business building where second plaque featuring William (Uncle Bill) Lewis is located.

Plaque near William "Uncle Bill" Lewis Marker image. Click for full size.

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

4. Plaque near William "Uncle Bill" Lewis Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 26, 2009, by R. E. Smith of Nashville, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 2,018 times since then and 81 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 26, 2009, by R. E. Smith of Nashville, Tennessee. 2, 3. submitted on January 4, 2011, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. 4. submitted on January 26, 2009, by R. E. Smith of Nashville, Tennessee. • Christopher Busta-Peck was the editor who published this page.