As written for The Messenger by Dottie Ellis in 1999

There is no neighborhood in Chattanooga that carries greater history than that of Missionary Ridge The mere name indicates that missionaries climbed over the brambles and along the paths in their effort to reach the Cherokee Indians who lived where the Brainerd Mission is today. That mission was established in 1817 and closed in 1838, when the Indians were removed by order of the U.S. Government. The Cherokees, however, had benefited from the teaching of domestic arts, farming, and religion. They were peaceful. 

At this time, there were a few farms and a few homes on Missionary Ridge. Chattanooga was to be chartered as a city in 1841. By the time the War Between The States began in 1861, the population of our city was 3500! 

The loss by the Southern Confederates of the Battle of Missionary Ridge was a turning point. Within two years of our battle on November 25, 1863, the War was over. However, we on Missionary Ridge now can be proud of living along the area of the first and largest National Military Park.  Lt. Arthur McArthur won his Congressional Medal of Honor here when he, an 18 year old soldier, planted his Wisconsin standard near the site of General Braxton Bragg's headquarters near the site of the future Missionary Ridge Grammar School. He is the youngest recipient of that award. 

Daily we drive and walk proudly by the monuments and plaques that remind us of the bravery and hardship the men endured. No wonder we are protective of our Ridge. 

When Missionary Ridge became a city in 1923, the building of five homes had already begun. We still enjoy the sight of those 11 homes built before 1900 that remain and are still flourishing. Even though Missionary Ridge ceased being a city in 1929, when its citizens voted to join the City of Chattanooga, more beautiful homes had been built and were to be built contributing to the charm and stability of our neighborhood. 

Houses built before the Turn of the Century, according to the tax records from the Hamilton County Courthouse.

1880 420 South Crest Rd.

58 North Crest Rd.

1883 536 South Crest Rd.

1888 23 North Crest Rd.

1890 416 South Crest Rd.

440 South Crest Rd.

444 South Crest Rd.

630 South Crest Rd.

76 North Crest Rd.

172 North Crest Rd.

1894 360 South Crest Rd.

In addition, the following homes on Missionary Ridge were built in 1900. 

29 South Crest Rd.

37 South Crest Rd.

45 South Crest Rd.

51 South Crest Rd.

326 South Crest Rd.

368 South Crest Rd.

378 South Crest Rd.

386 South Crest Rd.

396 South Crest Rd.

438 South Crest Rd.

450 South Crest Rd.

622 South Crest Rd.

46 North Crest Rd. 

72 North Crest Rd. 

90 North Crest Rd. 

To live on historic Missionary Ridge is to delight in her history, to enjoy her present, and to look forward to her future.  As you drive along The Ridge enjoying the dogwoods and the marvelous array of colors, take time to locate our oldest homes that still stand proudly, worthy of the care given them.