Chattanooga has a wide variety of top-notch offerings, like food, art, music, theater, nature, and people — these are just some of the things that make Chattanooga Chattanooga. Along the way, our city has picked up a few nicknames from these identities that are used by locals and tourists alike.

Many of Chattanooga’s nicknames are well known across the country, but what is less known is how these nicknames actually came to be. Without further ado, here’s some background on why Chattanooga is known by these particular nicknames + why they stuck.

“The Scenic City”

The Scenic City is Chattanooga’s official nickname because of the city’s geographical location between the Appalachian Mountains and Cumberland Plateau. The nickname alludes to the surrounding mountains, ridges, rivers, and lakes.

With beautiful views in every direction, we definitely think Chattanooga has more than earned this moniker.

“The Gig City”

While Nashville, TN is known worldwide as “The Music City,” Chattanooga’s nickname “The Gig City” isn’t in relation to music. This nickname is in reference to Chattanooga having the fastest internet service in the Western Hemisphere.

Only in Chattanooga is 1-gigabit-per-second internet speed available to every home and business throughout the entire community.

“River City”

The city of Chattanooga follows the bends of the Tennessee River, making this nickname crystal clear in its reasoning.

The Tennessee River is the center of many of Chattanooga’s attractions. The Riverwalk spanning 16.1 miles along the southern banks of the river is a great way to immerse yourself in nature, culture, and cuisine in downtown Chattanooga.

Chattanooga’s original music festival Riverbend also takes place along the backdrop of the Tennessee River at Ross’s Landing — also known as The Scenic City’s front porch.

“The Gateway to the South”

Chattanooga was a significant location during the Civil War. The environmental features composing the city + key railroad center established the then territory as “The Gateway to the South.”