Chattanooga is one of the most scenic locations in all over Colorado. For many years I simply viewed the scenery in awe without even realizing a town once existed here. Originally known as Sweetwater or Sweetville, the Chattanooga Post office was established in 1883 at the head of Mineral Creek. Originally, it served as a supply depot for people coming to the Red Mountain area. At its peak, its business district included grocery stores, bakeries, a drugstore, two butcher shops, three boarding houses, and three saloons. In 1888 the Silverton Railroad reached the Red Mountain District from the south, eliminating the need for a staging area from the north. In 1889 an avalanche roared through the town, destroying much of it. Most moved on. Today, the BLM maintains avalanche control by firing howitzer rounds into the snow up above to cause an avalanche under controlled conditions. Some structures, however, still remain.

Chattanooga was also sometimes called Sheridan Junction, due to the prominence of the Sheridan hotel.

This was the main area of Chattanooga, with a few mines further in the background.
Camera Used: CASIO COMPUTER CO.,LTD EX-Z40
Exposure Time: 1/400    Aperture: f/2.6    ISO: Unavailable
Date Taken: 2007:07:18 10:51:31

Another view of the main district. The site is easily accessed by highway 550.
Camera Used: CASIO COMPUTER CO.,LTD EX-Z40
Exposure Time: 1/400    Aperture: f/3.1    ISO: Unavailable
Date Taken: 2007:07:18 10:54:36

At the bottom was part of the town itself. Above the town, the forbidding beauty was also the town's undoing.
Camera Used: CASIO COMPUTER CO.,LTD EX-Z40
Exposure Time: 1/500    Aperture: f/3.5    ISO: Unavailable
Date Taken: 2007:07:18 10:54:51

This mine sits just to the north of the main townsite area and is easily seen from highway 550.
Camera Used: CASIO COMPUTER CO.,LTD EX-Z40
Exposure Time: 1/200    Aperture: f/3.9    ISO: Unavailable
Date Taken: 2007:07:18 10:55:27

This mine is located nearby and was no doubt served by Chattanooga. It is a little higher, still visible from highway 550. It is at the extreme northeast corner of the area. The main district would be to the upper right from this photo's perspective.
Camera Used: CASIO COMPUTER CO.,LTD EX-Z40
Exposure Time: 1/200    Aperture: f/3.5    ISO: Unavailable
Date Taken: 2007:07:18 11:03:41