Signal Mountain is a town in Hamilton County, Tennessee. The town is a suburb of Chattanooga and is located on Waldens Ridge, a land mass often mistakenly referred to as “Signal Mountain” itself. Signal Mountain’s history dates back years before settlement of the mountain itself. Centuries prior to the Civil War, Native Americans used a location on the mountain known as Signal Point to send fire and smoke signals across the Tennessee Valley. Later, the Union Army used Signal Point as a communications station during the American Civil War. At the outbreak of the war, only a few families lived on the mountain. However, when various health epidemics struck Chattanooga in 1873 and 1878, several wealthy families relocated to the mountain where they could find clear air and pure water. In the early 20th century, Charles E. James purchased 4,400 acres (18km2) of land in the Signal Point area and developed the mountain. In 1913, construction was completed of twelve miles (19km) of streetcar track, which linked Chattanooga to the mountain. While the streetcars are no longer used, the tracks remain in the streets of Signal Mountain’s historic district named after Velma. There are lots of great neighborhoods such as Boulder Point, Olde Town, Fox Run and Hidden Brook on Signal Mountain. It is also know for having some of the best schools in the area and still only 20 minutes to Downtown Chattanooga. Did You Know that over 600 acres of land on the mountain are dedicated to parks and natural areas?