The Forgotten History of Ooltewah & James County

Located just outside the Chattanooga city limits lies the small community of Ooltewah, Tennessee. While the area may be small, it has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1859 and its time as the county seat of James County. Named after Methodist minister, Jesse J. James, James County was a former Tennessee county that encompassed 285- square miles of Bradley and Hamilton counties. The county included the communities of Harrison, Apison, Ooltewah, and Collegedale, along with 9 smaller areas. James County went bankrupt in 1919 and was incorporated into Hamilton County.

The most notable landmark in Ooltewah is the former James County Courthouse, a short drive down the road on Main Street. Built in 1913 as the third courthouse for James County, the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Privately owned since 2000, the courthouse now serves as a tea room and event space.

Ooltewah played a significant role during the Civil War. In 1863, the 4th Michigan Cavalry entered Ooltewah, captured several Confederate soldiers, and destroyed a key railroad bridge along with other supplies, which were crucial to the Union’s military strategy in the region. In addition to the Ooltewah bridge burning, Union troops burned 4,000 pounds of flour and captured a Confederate Union Colonel before turning their sights on Cleveland.

The name “Ooltewah” is believed to be derived from a Cherokee word possibly meaning “principal ground” or from Creek (Muscogee) words meaning “water town.” Local folklore often translates it as “Owls Nest” or “Owls Roost”.

While James County may be a distant memory, the scenic landscape and small-town charm of Ooltewah live on. It continues to grow and develop while preserving its historical roots.