Name/Title
Bluff ViewEntry/Object ID
2020.126.001Description
An aluminum postcard with the front showing the Bluff View of Chattanooga, Tennessee. The front reads "Bluffs, Tenn. Rover., Chattanooga, Tenn." The bluff is prominently shown on the right with the Tennessee River below and Maclellan Island to the left. The home of C. A. Raht can be seen on the right at the edge of the bluff.
The limestone bluffs on the Tennessee River's edge form one of the most famous and picturesque locales in Chattanooga. Known as “Bluff View,” the area surrounding the bluffs has served several uses over the years. Before the Civil War, Bluff Furnace was located here. Built by the East Tennessee Iron Manufacturing Company and with the expertise of Robert Cravens, the furnace pioneered the use of coke in the production of pig iron. With the Civil War coming, the furnace was removed to Stevenson, Alabama, and the bluffs were used as a commanding military position by both the Union and Confederate Armies. After the war, the bluffs area was sold as homesites, with several notable residences built. No longer in existence, the home prominently situated at the bluff's edge belonged to C. A. Raht. Still standing is the Classical Revival mansion built in 1904 by local banker Ross Faxon. Designed by Chicago architect Abram Garfield, son of U.S. President James Garfield, the home now serves as the Hunter Museum of American Art's centerpiece. In 1991 the area surrounding the bluff was purchased by Dr. Charles and Mary Portera and redeveloped into the Bluff View Arts District.
Since the postcard had to be sent in a clear cover, the imprint of the postmark can be seen beside the stamp box.Subject Place
* Untyped Subject Place
Bluff View, Chattanooga, Tennessee*, Tennessee RiverCollection
Postcard CollectionPostcard Details
Date Published
circa 1905 - circa 1907Relationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
C. A. RahtRelated Places
Place
* Untyped Place
Maclellan Island, Chattanooga, Tennessee*, Tennessee RiverCopyright
Type of License
No Copyright - United StatesRestrictions
Credit Chattanooga Historical Society
Reproduction permitted for non-profit educational and research purposes only
