Walnut Street Bridge opening a leap for city
(Editor’s note: First of two parts)
The announcement was front-page news in the Chattanooga Daily Times on Feb. 18, 1891, with a headline reading: “The Walnut Street Bridge to be Formally Opened Today: An Immense Crowd will be Present.” A tone of excitement permeated the article, noting that civic and military organizations would “march in procession” down Market Street and “thence to the bridge” where the christening ceremony would begin.
Chattanoogans had long awaited a bridge connecting the county seat with Hill City and Hamilton County residents “north of the river.” The predicted response to this “so important event in the history of Chattanooga” was that it would be “doubtless the biggest crowd that ever assembled in any one locality of the city.” It was an event designed to draw families from both sides of the Tennessee River.
How did Chattanooga plan to celebrate the new landmark?
Those participating in the planned procession were to assemble at 2:15 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce offices and begin their “step off” at 2:30 p.m., making their way down Market to Fourth Street, up Fourth (using the sidewalk for safety) to Walnut Street and the approach to the bridge.
Henry C. Beck had been selected as the grand marshal of the day and mounted on a handsome bay horse would lead the parade, followed by a brass band providing “rousing patriotic marches.” Those participating included a police platoon, representatives of local military and veterans’ units under the command of Col. J.P. Fyffe and assisted by Lt. H.W. French and 1st Sgt. Hal Divine, members of the Hamilton County Court, the Chattanooga City Council, the Board of Public Works, the Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Trade, and then Chattanooga and Hill City citizens.
The next day’s newspaper reported that the “Walnut Street Bridge Formally Opened to Traffic with an Enjoyable Programme Carried Out in the Presence of Fully 5,000 People.” The crowd covered the bridge to the center point and extended back to Sixth Street. “The windows of the houses in the vicinity were filled with spectators, and the verandas and yards were made to do hospitable duty” for those desiring to observe the historic event.
The first event occurred before the parade arrived.
Three small boys terrified “timid women by climbing to the top of the first span of the bridge” as they observed May Gahagan, Martha Merriam, Mabel Stivers, Tinnie Kendrick and Florence Whiteside drive the final spike into the bridge, signaling that the structure was complete.
Upon arrival of the parade participants, the ceremony formally began with remarks from Capt. H.S. Chamberlain, Bridge Committee chairman, who then introduced the Rev. J.W. Bachman, pastor of First Presbyterian Church, for the invocation. His prayer invoked a blessing: “We beseech thee to look kindly upon us in this hour of rejoicing. Thou seest before thee labors of thy servants … . May this bridge be a means of blessing and help to us and all our neighbors … . May we carry light and truth and righteousness to others … .”
Chattanooga Mayor Isaac B. Merriman spoke next and reminded listeners of the importance of “this” place in history. “The first bridge that spanned the Tennessee River at this point was built long ago … by the Federal army … and was carried away by the food of 1867. Since that time, our only access to the north side has been by ferryboats. Now, what will be the benefits derived to Chattanooga from this bridge?” Then he proceeded to answer his question, reminding listeners that Hill City, the natural suburb of Chattanooga, would grow quickly. Additionally, the bridge would give the city “access to trade, to the timber, to the coal, to the farm products and some of the finest building sites in the whole country.” The mayor had a vision of growth and prosperity for his city, but he also welcomed Hill City into a much closer relationship in that progress. “We extend to you this right hand of fellowship and rejoice with you in the completion of this bridge.”
Merriman then asked the audience to pause for a moment and look at their surroundings. “When we look to the South and behold the grand old Lookout, to the north and behold the Tennessee River and Walden’s Ridge and see what a beautiful place God has given us for our inheritance, does not the heart of every Chattanoogan swell with pride today?”
The applause answered, “Yes.”