The Passage, Chattanooga
The Passage is a pedestrian link connecting downtown Chattanooga to the Tennessee River, serving as a powerful memorial to the Trail of Tears. Located at Ross鈥檚 Landing, the city鈥檚 original settlement named after Cherokee Chief John Ross, The Passage marks the site where the Cherokee people were forcibly removed from their homeland in 1838. This brutal journey to Oklahoma, known as the Trail of Tears, resulted in the deaths of approximately 4,000 Cherokee individuals. Designed as a permanent outdoor exhibit, The Passage pays tribute to Cherokee heritage through rich symbolism, including a "weeping wall" that represents the tears shed during this forced migration.
The artwork and sculptures throughout The Passage tell the story of the Cherokee Nation. Alongside the weeping stairs, seven large ceramic disks depict the history and culture of the Cherokee people, from their early habitation in the Southeast to their removal. The wall facing the river features seven, 14-foot-tall stainless steel sculptures of stickball players, showcasing the importance of the traditional Cherokee game. This design reflects the seven clans of the Cherokee Nation and serves as an educational piece for visitors.
Opened in May 2005, The Passage is the largest public art project in the U.S. dedicated to Cherokee history. It was created by Cherokee Artists Gadugi of Oklahoma as part of Chattanooga鈥檚 riverfront redevelopment initiative. Today, it stands as a poignant reminder of the city鈥檚 complex history while offering a space for education, reflection, and remembrance.
The artwork and sculptures throughout The Passage tell the story of the Cherokee Nation. Alongside the weeping stairs, seven large ceramic disks depict the history and culture of the Cherokee people, from their early habitation in the Southeast to their removal. The wall facing the river features seven, 14-foot-tall stainless steel sculptures of stickball players, showcasing the importance of the traditional Cherokee game. This design reflects the seven clans of the Cherokee Nation and serves as an educational piece for visitors.
Opened in May 2005, The Passage is the largest public art project in the U.S. dedicated to Cherokee history. It was created by Cherokee Artists Gadugi of Oklahoma as part of Chattanooga鈥檚 riverfront redevelopment initiative. Today, it stands as a poignant reminder of the city鈥檚 complex history while offering a space for education, reflection, and remembrance.
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The Passage on Map
Sight Name: The Passage
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