Lookout Mtn. Incline Railway- Chattanooga, TN

There are just not enough funiculars around these days. While they may be few and far between, if you find one, you are guaranteed to end up somewhere with a fabulous view. Among the most impressive, in regards to both engineering and vista, is Lookout Mountain Incline Railway in Chattanooga.  

The railway here traces its routes back to the Civil War. After the Union suffered a crushing blow at Chickamauga, Ulysses S. Grant was called in to take over the show. He assembled an all star cast of Generals, including William Tecumseh Sherman, and sent them in to end the Rebel siege of Chattanooga. This three day conflict, which would later become known as the “Battle Above the Clouds,” took place on the face of Lookout Mountain.

Following the Civil War, many battlegrounds became tourist destinations, including Lookout Mountain. However, the terrain was difficult, and to access many of the sites it was an expensive four hour buggy ride. This problem was remedied in 1889 when a luxury hotel, the Lookout Inn, was constructed atop of the mountain, and installed a simple railroad to ferry patrons up and down the mountainside. This railroad was not a financial success, and was abandoned by 1899.

It did however pave the way for a newer, broader gauge passenger railway to debut in 1895, that could quickly whisk visitors up and down the steep mountain. It was originally powered by coal burning steam engines, but they were swapped out in 1911 for two 100 horsepower motors. It was a technological marvel for the time, covering a mile at grades up to 72.7%. It is one of the steepest passenger railways in the world, and you will feel it. At times it almost seems as if you are standing in your seat. You practically have to crawl to disembark the car at the top.

Today, the railroad is still transporting tourists to the top of the mountain. In 1991 it was awarded Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark status. Traveling at a leisurely 10 miles an hour, the ride takes about 15 minutes. Once atop the mountain, you are greeted with a magnificent view of the city below. The battleground, now a National Military Park, is a only a short walk away for those not ready to descend.

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