Our Forever Moccasin Bend campaign began in 2020 with the "Open the Gateway" phase which raised funds to create a new Visitor Orientation Plaza at the entrance to the country's only National Archeological District. With construction expected to begin in early 2025, we thought our next phase would begin after the ribbon cutting.

However, in August 2023, Forever Moccasin Bend entered its second phase, “Save the Bend, Again” which focused on preventing new construction of nonconforming uses that threaten historically significant and culturally sensitive Indigenous resources within the approved Moccasin Bend National Archeological District boundary.

Facing this generational threat to Moccasin Bend, National Park Partners saw no choice but to rally the community to Protect YOUR Park and insist on transparency and stakeholder involvement, especially with Tribal partners whose ancestry on this land traces back thousands of years. After more than a year of relentless advocacy, we succeeded when Gov. Bill Lee announced in September 2024 that the state of Tennessee would end plans to build a new mental hospital on Moccasin Bend as originally proposed.

“Tennessee’s robust conservation strategy balances our state’s growth with a plan to protect our environment, which is why we pursued an archeological study at Moccasin Bend,” said Gov. Lee. “I look forward to working with stakeholders to determine the best path forward for this historic site.”

National Park Partners are deeply grateful for the overwhelming support of our Save the Bend, Again campaign and the clear mandate from the public and our partners for full preservation of Moccasin Bend’s nationally significant assets. We are grateful that all stakeholders are once again in agreement that the highest and best use of the land on Moccasin Bend is to complete the longstanding vision of an intact and complete National Archeological District.

Please donate to National Park Partners today and grow Chattanooga’s national park legacy with us!

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THANK YOU!

About the Gateway:

Along with a new programming pavilion and accessible walkway near the Tennessee River, the project establishes a parking area, restrooms, and an interpretive display with trail maps and highlights of Moccasin Bend's 12,000 years of history.

Environmental landscaping improvements include a bio-swale feature to provide animal habitat, allow for natural stormwater drainage, and encourage native plant growth.

This initial phase was successful, and the project was fully funded! Thank you for your support! You have helped us Open the Gateway and create this great new great outdoor space for you and future generations to enjoy.