Chattanooga Terminal Station Tennessee ~ Pocket Watch

~ Now “Chattanooga Choo Choo Hilton and Entertainment Complex” ~ In the late 1880’s through the early 1900’s, Chattanooga, Tennessee was a major hub for both industrial and passenger railway service in the South. In 1904, Southern Railway System began plans to build a new passenger terminal to relieve the over-crowding of Chattanooga’s rail system. Construction of Chattanooga’s Terminal Station began in 1906. ~ The first train arrived at Terminal Station on December 1, 1909. ~ On August 11, 1970, the Birmingham Special became the last train to depart Terminal Station. ~ * ~ Terminal Station seemed destined for demolition, the fate of many other regional train stations at that time. However, Terminal Station was rescued by a group of local businessmen who were inspired by the theme of the "Chattanooga Choo Choo" song, made famous by the Glenn Miller Orchestra. ~ On April 11, 1973, Terminal Station was reopened to the public as the “Chattanooga Choo Choo Hilton and Entertainment Complex.”