Catoosa County

Catoosa County is an administrative area in Northwest Georgia spanning about 162 square miles, with Tennessee as a neighbor and the city of Ringgold as its administrative center. The landscape consists of rolling hills and open land that extends toward several protected natural areas.

The area was established in December 1853 and takes its name possibly from Cherokee words meaning hill or new settlement place. Since its founding, it played an important role during the American Civil War and later showed the lasting effects of this period on the region.

The area preserves several Civil War sites and displays connections to Cherokee heritage through local museums and historical collections. These places tell stories of people who lived and fought in this region.

Interstate 75 runs through the area and connects residents to the Chattanooga metropolitan region, while several exits provide access to national parks and protected areas. Visitors should plan for travel times ranging from about 30 minutes to 90 minutes depending on their destination.

In 2002, an extraordinary pile-up involving 125 vehicles occurred on Interstate 75, triggered by sudden fog conditions. This incident showed how quickly weather on major highways can create dangerous situations.

Location: Georgia

Inception: 1853

Capital city: Ringgold

Shares border with: Hamilton County, Whitfield County, Walker County

Website: http://catoosa.com

GPS coordinates: 34.90000,-85.14000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:06