
Old Post Office, Chattanooga
The Old Post Office is a historic Richardsonian Romanesque structure built in 1893 to serve as a custom house and federal post office. The building was expanded in 1908-1909 to accommodate the growing demands of the city. Designed with a combination of rough and smooth stone, the architecture reflects the strong, fortress-like aesthetic typical of the Richardsonian Romanesque style, featuring arched windows, heavy masonry, and intricate detailing. For four decades, the building functioned as the city's primary post office, serving as a crucial hub for communication and government operations.
In 1933, the post office operations were relocated, and the following year, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) moved into the building, marking the start of a new chapter in its history. The TVA occupied the space for several years, further cementing the building’s role as an important governmental facility in Chattanooga. In 1991, a portion of the building was repurposed to accommodate the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, providing legal services within the city’s downtown district.
Recognized for its architectural and historical significance, the Old Post Office was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Today, it continues to serve as a government building, housing the U.S. Bankruptcy Court and other federal offices, maintaining its legacy as a vital part of Chattanooga's civic infrastructure.
In 1933, the post office operations were relocated, and the following year, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) moved into the building, marking the start of a new chapter in its history. The TVA occupied the space for several years, further cementing the building’s role as an important governmental facility in Chattanooga. In 1991, a portion of the building was repurposed to accommodate the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, providing legal services within the city’s downtown district.
Recognized for its architectural and historical significance, the Old Post Office was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Today, it continues to serve as a government building, housing the U.S. Bankruptcy Court and other federal offices, maintaining its legacy as a vital part of Chattanooga's civic infrastructure.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Chattanooga. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Old Post Office on Map
Sight Name: Old Post Office
Sight Location: Chattanooga, USA (See walking tours in Chattanooga)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Chattanooga, USA (See walking tours in Chattanooga)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Create Your Own Walk in Chattanooga
Creating your own self-guided walk in Chattanooga is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Chattanooga Introduction Walking Tour
Boredom is hard to come by in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Sitting on the banks of the Tennessee River in the southeastern part of the state, its official nickname is the "Scenic City", alluding to the surrounding Appalachian Mountains. On top of this, there are multiple unofficial monikers like the "River City", "Chatt", "Nooga", and "Chattown".
The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles