Ross's Landing

Ross's Landing sits along the Tennessee River waterfront with an amphitheater-like plaza, boat docks, and wide walkways for strolling. The place connects the river with downtown and invites people to spend time by the water's edge.

The landing was founded in the early 1800s by John Ross, a Cherokee businessman, and later became tied to a tragic period in the nation's history. During the Civil War, the site shifted purpose and served the needs of troops.

The site tells the story of the Cherokee through monuments and information boards that show how this people lived and moved through the region. Visitors can see these traces today and understand the role this river played in their lives.

The location is easy to reach by car or on foot from downtown and offers parking and restroom facilities for guests. It is best to visit during warmer months when the walkways are pleasant and the waterside setting is most inviting.

During the Civil War, the spot became the Cracker Line, a secret supply route that brought food and provisions into the besieged city. This hidden passage saved Union soldiers from starvation and is a fascinating but often overlooked chapter of the local war story.