A Look Back at Chattanooga: A Documentary Worth Watching
A Look Back at Chattanooga: A Documentary Worth Watching
My family moved to Ringgold, Georgia, in 1974. My dad needed work, and he found it in Chattanooga. We didn’t come into the city often, but we lived close enough that I learned a lot about its story.
That’s why I think this documentary on the history of Chattanooga is so good. It matches what I remember and what I’ve learned over the years. The title might fool you a little, but don’t let that stop you. It’s a great watch for anyone who loves this city.
The City I Remember
When my family moved here, Chattanooga was mostly a blue collar town. People worked with their hands in factories and mills. Today the city looks very different.
Some of the change is wonderful. In 1969, Chattanooga had the dirtiest air in the country. We didn’t get here until five years later, but I still remember the haze. Back then, it was just how things were. Now the haze is gone, and the air is much cleaner and healthier. That is a big win.
A City That Keeps Growing
Many new people are moving here now. A lot of them come for “Gig City,” our super-fast internet. The city has chosen to grow in that direction.
New buildings are going up where farms used to be. Many have shops on the bottom floor and apartments on top. It’s a different kind of living than I grew up with, and it makes me wonder if the American dream is changing too. But I understand why people want to be here.
Chattanooga has a lot going for it. Think of the Choo Choo, the Tivoli Theatre, and the Aquarium. Each one took big dreams and careful thought. The people who built them helped make Chattanooga a special place to live and visit.
Why We Started Chattanooga Local
Many visitors and new neighbors don’t know the history of this city. That’s one reason we started Chattanooga Local. We want to show off the many events happening in and around the city, and we want to shine a light on the local business community too. These are the shops, restaurants, and families who make Chattanooga feel like home. In most months, our events page lists more than 1,000 events. That still amazes me.
This documentary does a great job of showing how Chattanooga got to where it is today. In another 50 years, the city may look different again. But if it keeps finding new ways to improve, I think it will be a great place to live for a long time.
Time will tell. For now, grab a seat and enjoy the show.
About the Filmmaker
This documentary was made by Paul McAllister. I’ve never met him, but I want to say thank you. He has made many films like this about places all over the country. Thank you, Paul, for the hard work and for sharing history with the world.
Paul McAllister on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Paul-McAllister1
His book, The Times You Grew Up With: https://paulmcallister.store/
