Information shamelessly taken from the Fort Wood National Historic District website, the photos are mine:
Fort Wood’s distinctive homes reflect Chattanooga’s unique heritage and the community’s evolution over time. The district is located just east of Chattanooga’s original 1838 boundaries; it was annexed by the city in 1851. The original “fort” was an earthwork stronghold constructed by Union forces in 1863 during their occupation of Chattanooga.
During the late-nineteenth century scattered residential development occurred in Fort Wood. A number of residences from the 1800s still grace Fort Wood streets today. These older homes in Fort Wood reflect the charm and diversity of Victorian and Neoclassical architecture, fashionable styles in turn-of-the-century Chattanooga.
Between 1900 and 1910, Fort Wood became one of the most exclusive residential sections in Chattanooga. The installation of one of Chattanooga’s first electric streetcar lines on Oak Street in 1889 encouraged prominent citizens to take up residence in the newly developed area. Many of Chattanooga’s leading citizens built their homes in Fort Wood, including T. C. Thompson, Mayor of Chattanooga from 1909-1915; George Fort Multon, publisher and part owner of the Chattanooga News; and Samuel Read, owner of the Read House, an important Chattanooga hotel. Through architecture, these influential politicians, businessmen, real estate developers, doctors and lawyers left their mark on Fort Wood during its heyday from the turn-of-the-century through the 1940s.
Fort Wood exhibits a variety of architectural styles, including an impressive collection of Queen Anne-style homes. The house at 800 Vine Street is an outstanding example of Queen Ann architectural design. Described as “Byzantine Revival” when it was built, the house displays elaborate stone detailing and an asymmetrical arrangement of unique design features.
Today, the Fort Wood neighborhood gives a charming impression of cohesiveness through the combinations of late-nineteenth and early-twentieth century architectural styles. The tree-shaded streets, wide sidewalks, and uniform setbacks with raised yards and surrounding retaining walls add to the sense of architectural unity.
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