Tourism comes easy when you’re known as the “Scenic City.” But what really put Chattanooga on the map was the allure of its attractions. Iconic advertising like “SEE ROCK CITY” barns once dominated rural highways and captured the imaginations of an untold number of travelers, guiding them straight to Chattanooga.
Discover the barns that put Chattanooga on the map
Author Judith Hill Garrison reflects on the legendary roadside barns that helped make Chattanooga a road trip destination in her newly released book, “See Rock City Barns.” Join Garrison for an author talk and book signing at the Downtown Chattanooga Library on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. The event is free and open to everyone.
Garrison’s book explores the bygone era of no-rules advertising, which at its peak saw more than 900 Rock City barns painted throughout the Southeast and as far away as Michigan and Texas. Today, only remnants remain in varying states of preservation, yet they still evoke the distinct rustic charm of Americana.
In a unique celebration of America250, Rock City is celebrating its iconic advertising that evolved into beloved works of folk art during Barns2Birdhouses. Over 500 barn birdhouses hang from the rafters in the shaded pavilion at Hearth, hand-painted by local students and mentoring groups.
As part of the celebration, 14 large-scale barn and birdhouse sculptures, painted by local artists, are popping up around Chattanooga, including at the Downtown Library. Artist Matt Dutton’s creation, “From Barn to Birdie”, celebrates both Rock City’s iconic barn legacy and founders Garnet & Frieda Carter’s pioneering role in miniature golf, featuring a putting green hole in front of the sculpture.
Chattanooga’s road trip legacy on display
The ‘See Rock City Barns’ event is presented in conjunction with Next Stop, Chattanooga! Exploring Our Place on the Great American Roadtrip, a new exhibit produced by the Local History & Genealogy Department at the Downtown Library. The exhibit, which is on display through September, explores how the open road reshaped Chattanooga’s landscape, economy, and identity.
Take a trip through yesteryear, as photographs and memorabilia showcase Chattanooga’s storied road trip lore. Items on display are from the library’s historical collections and archives, in addition to artifacts on loan or reproduced from Rock City, The Coker Museum, and The Bessie Smith Cultural Center.
History, art, and vacation fun come together this summer at the Downtown Library. Rediscover why Chattanooga became and remains one of the country’s most beloved road trip destinations!