Name/Title
The Chattanooga Mountain Wagon, W RoadEntry/Object ID
2020.059.001Description
Postcard with the front showing an illustration of a wagon of The Chattanooga Wagon Company making its way along the curves of the "W" Road on Signal Mountain, Tennessee. The caption reads "9644. The Chattanooga Mountain Wagon" The read reads " 'The" Chattanooga" Wagon at the "W" up Walden's Ridge, on the famous road to "Signal Point" in the Cumberland Mountains, near Chattanooga."
Constructed in 1892, the “W” Road was built to replace what was known as the “Old Corduroy Road,” a logging road used during the Civil War as part of the Anderson Pike. A particularly perilous section of the Old Corduroy Road was near the summit of Walden’s Ridge, where travelers had to navigate a perilously steep grade. Designed by engineer Marcus B. Long, the “W” Road decreased the slope of this section by incorporating a series of switchbacks, in the process giving the route its namesake feature. Construction proceeded under the direction of foreman W. T. Walker, with a memorable part of the process being the blasting of Hanging Rock, a large boulder that extended over the road.
The “W” Road was improved in 1912 with the addition of a crushed stone surface and retaining walls of loose stone. More extensive improvements occurred in 1927 when the road was paved and widened, and solid retaining walls were put in place. The road remains a popular and scenic drive today.Subject Person/Organization
The Chattanooga WagonSubject Place
* Untyped Subject Place
W Road, Walden's RidgeCollection
Signal Mountain CollectionRelationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
Marcus B. Long, W. T. WalkerCopyright
Type of License
No Copyright - United States
