Signal Mountain, Tennessee
Location of Signal Mountain, Tennessee
Coordinates: 35°7′45″N 85°20′33″W / 35.12917, -85.3425
Country	United States
State	Tennessee
County	Hamilton
Area
- Total	6.7 sq mi (17.3 km²)
- Land	6.7 sq mi (17.3 km²)
- Water	0.0 sq mi (0.0 km²)
Elevation	1,703 ft (519 m)
Population (2000)
- Total	7,429
- Density	1,112.6/sq mi (429.6/km²)
Time zone	Eastern (EST) (UTC-5)
- Summer (DST)	EDT (UTC-4)
ZIP code	37377
Area code(s)	423
FIPS code	47-68540[1]
GNIS feature ID	1270254[2]

Signal Mountain is a town in Hamilton County, Tennessee, United States. The town is a suburb of Chattanooga, Tennessee. The population was 7,429 as of the 2000 census.

Geography

Signal Mountain is located at 35°7′45″N, 85°20′33″W (35.129126, -85.342417)^[3].

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 6.7 square miles (17.3 km²), all of it land.

History

Signal Mountain's history dates back years before settlement of the mountain itself. Centuries prior to the Civil War, Native Americans used a location on the mountain known as Signal Point to send fire and smoke signals across the Tennessee Valley. Later, the Union Army used Signal Point as a communications station during the American Civil War. At the outbreak of the war, only a few families lived on the mountain. However, when various health epidemics struck Chattanooga in 1873 and 1878, several wealthy families relocated to the mountain where they could find clear air and pure water. In the early 20th century, Charles E. James purchased 4,400 acres (18 km²) of land in the Signal Point area and developed the mountain. In 1913, construction was completed of twelve miles (19 km) of streetcar track, which linked Chattanooga to Signal Mountain. While the streetcars are no longer used, the tracks remain in the streets of Signal Mountain's historic district. On April 4, 1919, the Tennessee Legislature passed the bill that chartered the Town of Signal Mountain. During the 1970's, the town experienced significant growth and has become a notable suburb of Chattanooga. [1]

Notable residents

• Rachel Boston, actress
• Byron De La Beckwith, convicted murderer of civil rights leader Medgar Evers has been associated with the town, but he moved to the area late in life and was not a resident of the Town of Signal Mountain
• Mary Q. Steele, Newbery Honor-winning children's author
• William O. Steele, Newbery Honor-winning children's author

Demographics

As of the census^[1] of 2000, there were 7,429 people, 2,924 households, and 2,122 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,112.6 people per square mile (429.4/km²). There were 3,054 housing units at an average density of 457.4/sq mi (176.5/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 98.36% White, 0.22% African American, 0.16% Native American, 0.35% Asian, and 0.22% from other races.

There were 2,924 households, of which 33.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.9% were married couples living together, 5.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.4% were non-families. 25.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 17.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.50 and the average family size was 3.02.

The population of Signal Mountain was spread out with 25.6% under the age of 18, 4.4% from 18 to 24, 22.2% from 25 to 44, 27.1% from 45 to 64, and 20.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females there were 87.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.3 males.

The median income for a household was $66,900, and the median income for a family was $86,997. Males had a median income of $70,241 versus $30,878 for females. The per capita income for the town was $37,134. About 2.3% of families and 3.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.3% of those under age 18 and 3.0% of those age 65 or over.

Culture And Attractions

Signal Mountain is home to a number of outdoors attractions including the Cumberland Trail, Mabbitt Springs, and Signal Point, which is a U.S. National Park. Visitors and citizens have many different locations to hike and backpack such as Rainbow Lake and Edward's Point. [2]

The Signal Mountain Playhouse presents 2 plays per year including an outdoor musical every summer in the natural amphitheatre behind the Town Hall. The MACC (Mountain Arts Community Center), located in the historic Signal Mountain Elementary school building, offers classes in all forms of artistic expression including music, dance, and visual arts. Additionally, the Mountain Opry hosts a weekly bluegrass music show every Friday evening.

Schools

Elementary Schools: Nolan Elementary, Thrasher Elementary Middle School: Signal Mountain Middle/High School High School: Signal Mountain Middle/High School (opening fall 2008)

References

1. ^ ^{a b} American FactFinder. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved on 2008-01-31.
2. ^ US Board on Geographic Names. United States Geological Survey (2007-10-25). Retrieved on 2008-01-31.
3. ^ US Gazetteer files: 2000 and 1990. United States Census Bureau (2005-05-03). Retrieved on 2008-01-31.

External links

• Signal Mountain Community Website

• Signal Mountain, Tennessee is at coordinates 35°07′45″N 85°20′33″W / 35.129126, -85.342417 (Signal Mountain, Tennessee)Coordinates: 35°07′45″N 85°20′33″W / 35.129126, -85.342417 (Signal Mountain, Tennessee)

v â€¢ d â€¢ e Municipalities and communities of Hamilton County, Tennessee County seat: Chattanooga Cities Chattanooga | Collegedale | East Ridge | Lakesite | Red Bank | Ridgeside | Soddy-Daisy Towns Lookout Mountain | Signal Mountain | Walden CDPs East Brainerd | Fairmount | Harrison | Middle Valley | Ooltewah Unincorporated communities Apison | Birchwood | Georgetown | Hixson | Sale Creek