Fortwood District

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Fort Wood district, named for a Civil War redoubt which crowned the summit until the 1880's, presents an architectural collage of building trends from 1880 to 1920, reflecting a variety of Victorian and Neoclassical styles. Most houses are brick Queen Anne with a vertical emphasis, but others represent Eastlake, Victorian Romanesque, Italianate, Tudor and Classical Revival influence.

The general elegance of these fine homes reflects the taste and affluence of the people who built them. As Chattanooga's leading citizens, they made many contributions to Chattanooga's development in the areas of commerce, engineering, politics and humanitarian efforts.

Fort Wood existed as one of Chattanooga's finest neighborhoods until the 1950's when a combination of factors began a process of deterioration. In the past few years, new families, recognizing the value and convenience of these fine old homes, have moved to the area and joined forces with many long-time residents to become the Fort Wood Community Association.

The Association is pursuing the revitalization of the area as a viable inner-city residential section. Approximately 120 buildings in the area are listed on the National Register of Historic Places as Fort Wood Historic District.

In 1990, Fort Wood was designate as Chattanooga's first local historic district by the City Council. This listing helps protect the historic character of Fort Wood by requiring a review of all exterior changes by the Historic Zoning Commission