One option is to read “Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis: A History of ‘The Dixie Line’” by Dain Shult.   This book tells the story of the railroad that stretches from  Memphis to Atlanta.  The book has photos, diagrams, and maps that will help you understand the development and operation of the line as a key link between Memphis and the Appalachians. Written in an easily readable style, this book will interest all fans of railroading in the South.   The book is 264 pages long and was published in May of 2002.

Other books include: “Chattanooga” “Baseball in Chattanooga, Tennessee”, “Chattanooga Choo Choo”, Chattanooga—A Death Grip on the Confederacy”, “Chattanooga: An Illustrated History”, and “Chickamauga and Chattanooga: The Battles That Doomed the Confederacy.”  The illustrated history, while a little pricy at  $32, can help you find out why Chattanooga played such an important role in American History, and how it has been dramatically transformed and revitalized in recent years.

Whatever you do choose to read, you should read it at the Chattanooga Hamilton County Bicentennial Library.