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About Missionary Ridge
Missionary Ridge
Located approximately 3 miles east of downtown Chattanooga, this affluent neighborhood is one of the most unique residential areas in the Southeast due to its location on the crest of a prominent ridge, significance to local architecture, insightful community planning, and important association with the Civil War.
Rising nearly 500 feet above the valley in sweeping, near-vertical strokes, the ridge extends north-south from the upper portion of Chattanooga several miles further into the northern point of Georgia. Varying in width from as little as 20 feet to over 700 feet, the crest slices through the heart of the city bisecting downtown from suburbia. So named for its proximity to the former Brainerd Mission to the Cherokees, Missionary Ridge has fulfilled the function of gateway with both symbolic and real force throughout history: today as modern Chattanooga's central "meeting place" between its diverse communities and lifestyle choices, but first as the North's "Gateway to the South" during the Civil War.
Indeed, the Battle of Missionary Ridge, the last chapter in the Battle of Chattanooga where 12,485 men lost their lives, is remembered as one of the bloodiest, most decisive 1-day victories of the War.
After the disastrous defeat at the Battle of Chickamauga in mid-September 1863, Union forces under Major General William Rosecrans retreat to Chattanooga where they lie heavily besieged through October by General Braxton Bragg's Army of Tennessee. Positioned atop Missionary Ridge and Lookout Mountain, with excellent views of the city and river, the Confederate troops threaten to decimate their enemy's supply lines.
To avert a staggering defeat, Major General Ulysses S. Grant replaces Rosecrans with Major General George H. Thomas and moves to reinforce Chattanooga by mid-November with Major General Williams Sherman's four divisions, allowing the Federals to finally begin offensive operations. The first major assault takes place on November 23rd when General Thomas handily secures the lower half of Missionary Ridge in broad daylight. Weakened and alarmed, Bragg removes a division from Lookout Mountain to reinforce his right flank, unwittingly providing a breach through which Major General "Fighting Joe" Hooker's troops barrel the next day, shattering the Confederate stronghold on Lookout Mountain. The "Battle Above the Clouds" sets the stage for the more dramatic and far bloodier encounter the next day.
Constituting a natural defensive position, Missionary Ridge is made even more dauntingly formidable by Bragg's in-depth manning of its crest. Grant knows that an all-out frontal assault will be suicidal unless strategically supported by the flanking attacks of Sherman and Hooker. However, as the morning of the 25th progresses, Sherman is unable to break the line and Hooker remains mired in logistical problems. Alarmed, at 3:30 pm Grant orders Thomas to move forward in a desperate attempt to seize the first of three Confederate lines entrenched to his front.
After capturing the first line, Thomas and his men are mercilessly exposed to wilting fire from the two remaining lines on the ridge. Faced with seemingly certain death, whether through action or inaction, the Union troops choose the former and valiantly continue the attack against Grant's express orders. The soldiers dash fearlessly up the near-vertical slope rallying to the battle cries of "Chickamauga! Chickamauga!" until they miraculously overwhelm the opposing force and capture the remaining Confederate lines.
The Army of the Cumberland's dizzying ascent of Missionary Ridge is immortalized as one of the war's most dramatic events. A Union officer recalls that "little regard to formation was observed. Each battalion assumed a triangular shape, the colors at the apex [?] A color-bearer dashes ahead of the line and falls. A comrade grasps the flag--He, too falls. Then another picks it up, waves it defiantly, as if bearing a charmed life, he advances steadily towards the top."
Initially furious at being defied, Grant's anger turned to elation when, by 4:30 pm, Bragg's troops had broken in panic and fled to the last man. One of the Confederacy's two major armies had been routed and Missionary Ridge, a reportedly impregnable position and "the Gateway to the South," had been secured. It was Grant's final battle in the west, prior to receiving command of all Union armies in March of 1864, and the logistical means by which Sherman won the Atlanta Campaign.
Today, the neighborhood's rich history reminds its affluent residents of the dramatic encounter Missionary Ridge once hosted. An assortment of plaques, monuments, and cannons pepper the landscape with historical interest. Most are secured in small reservation enclaves which are part of the Chickamauga-Chattanooga National Military Park, but many are actually located in the yards of private residences. Sunny days will find residents and tourists alike visiting these sites of national significance and reveling in the stunning views provided by this extension of the Cumberland Range, as they meander their ways along the ridge's winding avenues.
This evolution began in the aftermath of the war as Crest Road--a serpentine path along the ridge's crest--transitioned into a fashionable new address for Chattanooga?s elite in the early 1900?s. Hardie's 1897 Historical Guide describes the attraction of Missionary Ridge: "The government has built along its crest one of the most beautiful driveways in the country--(from which) you can obtain a splendid view of the city." There, Chattanooga's leading citizens of the time wrought works of architectural wonder as they built elegant mansions in loving detail to shelter their families.
Almost 100 years later, these stately homes continue to dominate the ridge, drawing many a covetous gaze from the valley below, unmistakable landmarks of magnificence and beauty. North and South Crest, still one of the most prestigious and immediately recognizable addresses of the area, continue to wind their graceful way along the ridge, presenting a conundrum to the touring families: to one side of the road, natural splendor captivates the senses; to the other, man-made magnificence captures the eye. Right, left, right, left, "which way to look!"
One direction bestows dizzying views of the valley, the encircling Appalachians, and shimmering reflections from the Tennessee River as it traces a radiant dance through the city. The other presents elaborate dwellings and estates that exemplify the very best of American architecture. From romantic Tudors, organic Frank Lloyd Wrights, revivalist Cape Cods, and proud Federals, there is no end to the diversity of striking architectural styles.
Rich in history and desirability, it is the favored choice of doctors, lawyers, and high-profile executives. Once relocated to Missionary Ridge, few people experience the desire to move away. In fact, this characteristic presents an interesting opportunity as long-term residents continue to trickle off the ridge for the first time in decades, transferring to retirement communities. In these cases, the homes will lack modernized d?cor and updates, allowing younger families to obtain a discount that makes the ridge affordable.
Located at the heart of the surrounding metropolitan area, Missionary Ridge is arguably the most convenient and flexible location in Chattanooga: a few minutes west lies Downtown Chattanooga with all its vibrancy, boutique shopping, night life and urban energy; a mile to the east, easy interstate access opens a convenient door to suburbia, malls, movie theatres, restaurants, and of course, Wal-Mart! Presenting an incomparable blend of established prestige, immediate convenience to the city and proximity to suburban shopping, all amidst a backdrop of tranquil mountain scenery and beautiful vistas, it is little surprise that Missionary Ridge has remained one of Chattanooga's most prestigious locations for 100 years.
It is perhaps ironic that the one-time scene of such vicious death is now a peacefully diverse neighborhood and a weekend destination for families of all races, creeds and backgrounds. But what better testament to the soldiers who gave their lives in the name of freedom than the carefree, joyful lives of their modern-day descendants? It is hard to imagine a more fitting monument to their sacrifice than this enduring legacy of freedom.
The Missionary Ridge Community is serviced by the Hamilton County School System which also it
the home for several Magnet Schools in the area.
Additionally, there are many quality private schools within a few minutes drive of the community. You can click on any of the names of these schools for more information.
Interesting Facts
Number of people in area: 1,657 Median home price: $280,000 Average $/Sq. Ft.: $109 Median year built: 1920 Distance from downtown: 1.5 miles
Please visit these links for more information on Missionary Ridge:
Neighborhood Association Battle of Chattanooga III Missionary Ridge Article: Remembering the Missionary Ridge Towers Article: Your Tax Dollars at Work - Ridge Cut Get your Complimentary Comparative Market Analysis
Find Homes in Chattanooga Free Home Staging Kit Relocating out of State? More about Chattanooga's Historic Communities |
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