Chattanooga Choo Choo

The Terminal Station seemed destined for the similar fate of Union Station (parts of which were built before the Civil War) at the center of town, which was demolished in 1973. But Terminal Station was saved from the wrecking ball by a group of local businessmen who were inspired by the theme of the "Chattanooga Choo Choo." They invested $4 million before its new grand opening on April 11, 1973, and the beautiful Terminal Station once again opened its doors to welcome visitors to Chattanooga - this time as a unique vacation complex. With its listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, the Chattanooga Choo Choo Historic Hotel is considered one of the city's first historic preservation projects.

In 1989, a group of Chattanooga investors, known as Choo Choo Partners, Ltd., brought new management and invested another $4 million+ dollars in renovations to the complex. In the summer of 2014, the Chattanooga Choo Choo began a redevelopment of the entire hotel property, including new and vibrant restaurants, exciting music venues, and an on-site apartment conversion. The Chattanooga Choo Choo Historic Hotel, famous in history and song, has become the ultimate district for entertainment in the region. Today there is again the bustle that was so familiar in the railroad days!

Chattanooga Choo Choo

By 1910, 10 lines considered Chattanooga a key part of their rail networks. The Southern Railway alone controlled tracks which headed out of the city in four different directions. Rails connected Chattanooga to all the largest ports in the South: New Orleans, Mobile, Pensacola, Jacksonville, Savannah, Charleston, and Norfolk. Tracks also reached major inland cities such as Atlanta, Charlotte, and Memphis.

This growth created demand for new facilities. By the early 1880s the city had outgrown its original 1858 station. An 1882 replacement lasted only six years before it also became too small. In 1888 an old freight depot at the corner of 13th and Market Streets was converted to the Central Passenger Station. During this period freight facilities expanded and by 1900, the area near the Central Station housed three different depots serving commercial and industrial traffic.

Within 25 years Chattanooga again needed a larger passenger depot. In 1905 the Southern Railway hired New York architect Don Barber to design what became known as "Terminal Station." This building, which opened in 1909, handled only passenger traffic and "express," or small package shipments.

From its opening Terminal Station was one of the city’s grandest buildings. Its most distinguishing architectural feature was the brick arch framing the entrance. At the time it was built, it was said to be the largest brick arch in the world. The station included a main waiting room, bathrooms, ticket office, and other services. It was one story throughout; this meant that the center section, which featured a dome and skylight, had an exceptionally high ceiling. Large brass chandeliers manufactured in New York City hung from brightly painted ceilings. Two Chattanooga-based firms, brick producer Southern Clay Manufacturing Company and timber supplier Willingham and Company, provided most of the materials used in the station’s construction. Prior to its official opening, Terminal Station was praised in an article in the Daily Times on December 10, 1908:

Chattanoogans who have not visited the new terminal station since it has been practically completed have a big treat in store. Few persons, if any, who have not visited the station within the past few weeks have any conception of its grandeur and entire fitness for handling passenger traffic. To properly appreciate the new railroad plant a person should spend a few minutes at the Central shed and study the conditions there and then go to the new station. The contrast is great.

Terminal Station enjoyed a long and busy history as the city’s main passenger terminal. The station was especially important during World War II, when as much as 90 percent of the nation’s traffic went by rail. In 1944 a complete renovation and redecoration was begun to modernize the station. By the next decade, however, the railroads were receiving stiff competition from airlines, automobiles, and long-haul trucks. As railroad traffic declined, so did the area around Terminal Station. The last passenger train left Terminal Station in 1970.

National Park Service

Unique Chattanooga, TN Accommodations

NOW BOARDING. Let our original Pullman Train Car’s remind you of a past era while enjoying all of today’s conveniences and amenities. These Chattanooga, TN accommodations are housed in train cars dating back to the 1930’s, 40’s and 50’s! All train car hotel rooms feature a queen size bed. Some train car hotel rooms also include a daybed with a pull-out trundle bed. Modern conveniences include high-speed internet access, a mini fridge and coffee maker, and a desk with chair. All guests have access to the heated indoor pool, available year-round. Book your stay in one of our Train Car rooms for an unforgettable getaway.

Chattanooga Choo Choo

In 1924, Pearly Thomas Car Works of High Point, NC, built the Choo Choo's trolley. The reversible seats were constructed in Philadelphia, PA. The Trolley operated on the Canal Street Line in New Orleans from 1924 to 1960. The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum obtained the Trolley and brought it to Chattanooga in 1964. After being restored in Georgia, the Trolley began operating from the opening day at the Chattanooga Choo Choo in 1973 and provides one of the most unique experiences on the property.

Chattanooga Choo Choo