Discovering Chattanooga's "The Big Nine"
Step back in time to "The Big Nine," a vibrant heart of Black business and culture in Chattanooga. Explore its rich history, the legendary figures who walked its streets, and the enduring legacy of a community that thrived against all odds.
The vibrant heart of a community
From the late 1800s through much of the 20th century, Ninth Street became the heart of Chattanooga's Black business and entertainment community. During segregation, Black individuals often could not freely patronize many white-owned establishments, so Ninth Street developed its own thriving economy—with Black-owned restaurants, grocery stores, theaters, hotels, barber shops, nightclubs, and other businesses. The area eventually became so vibrant that people called it "The Big Nine." This self-sustaining economy provided essential services and a vital social hub for the Black community, fostering entrepreneurship and cultural expression.
Legends and landmarks of The Big Nine
Some of the biggest names in American music came through Chattanooga and made their way to Ninth Street. Among them were Bessie Smith, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, James Brown, Jimi Hendrix, Cab Calloway, and Curtis Mayfield. One of the most important people connected to "The Big Nine" was Bessie Smith, the legendary "Empress of the Blues." She was born in Chattanooga in 1894 and grew up in a poor Black neighborhood known as Blue Goose Hollow near Ninth Street. As a young girl, Bessie reportedly sang on street corners with her brother to help support the family. She eventually left Chattanooga and became one of the most famous blues singers in America. The Bessie Smith Cultural Center now stands on Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and helps preserve this history.
The legacy and remembrance of The Big Nine
Another major institution was the Martin Hotel, which became an important destination for Black travelers and entertainers during segregation. It was described as the largest Black-only luxury hotel in the South, and famous performers stayed there when they came to Chattanooga. However, "The Big Nine" did not simply disappear. Urban renewal and redevelopment gradually destroyed much of the historic neighborhood. By the middle and late 20th century, many of the businesses and buildings that had made Ninth Street famous were gone. "The Big Nine" can be best remembered for its businesses, music, and community, and for being the place where Black people came together during segregation. The area has had murals dedicated to it and various efforts to preserve its history. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994, ensuring its enduring recognition.