Rebuilding on Moccasin Bend Causes Irreparable Harm to Nationally Significant and Culturally Sensitive Resources.

Extensive archaeological studies of Moccasin Bend beginning in the 1980’s revealed artifacts from 10,000 B.C. and the remnants of layer upon layer of human habitations since. From evidence of the earliest Paleo-Indians passing through to inhabitants trading with Spanish explorers in the 1500’s to Woodland mounds and village sites, the entire peninsula is a time capsule of Indigenous history. Phase I, II, and III surveys were conducted on the bend, which resulted in the 965-acre National Historic Landmark designation in 1986. This designation includes the current hospital property; National Register of Historic Places listings for the documented village sites and mounds; and National Archeological District status for more than 750 acres in 2003. The designation also outlines the ability to include the current hospital property without further study due to the known resources on and under that land.

An original route segment of the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail crosses Moccasin Bend on the Old Federal Road, also used as an Antebellum Slave Trade route in the 25 years between the 1838 Cherokee Removal period and the Civil War Campaign for Chattanooga in 1863. Additional historic resources include US Army artillery positions and well-preserved earthworks on the southern end of Stringer’s Ridge, along with the Old Federal Road trace that became the famous “Cracker Line,” reinforcing supplies for the Union troops in Chattanooga during the Civil War Campaign for Chattanooga in 1863.

Moccasin Bend is a designated site along the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. In 2021, Moccasin Bend was recognized as a certified site on the National Underground Railroad Journey to Freedom. For all of these reasons, Moccasin Bend is among the most historically and culturally significant pieces of land in our region.