May’s Beauty Salon, 1940 photo by Horace Brazelton. Courtesy of Tennessee State University

Jul 31

-

Nov 06

Building the Big Nine: A Legacy of Black Excellence

Name: Building the Big Nine: A Legacy of Black Excellence
Location: Ruby Falls

Ruby Falls

Chattanooga, TN

Learn more about Building the Big Nine: A Legacy of Black Excellence.

Visit our site

This new exhibit explores the powerful legacy and visionary achievements of Chattanooga’s historic Black business district. Curated by historian Dr. Stefanie Haire, the exhibit follows the rise of the Big Nine as the district became the vibrant center of Black commerce, culture, and community despite the deep complexities of racial discrimination.

Exhibit is free and open to the public July 31 - Nov. 6, 2025. Ruby Falls tickets are not required to visit the exhibit. For more information, visit www.rubyfalls.com/events/building-the-big-nine/

Nearby Attractions

Still exploring? Try these popular ideas in and around Chattanooga.

Eat & Drink

Desserts & Bakeries

Clumpies Ice Cream Co.

Clumpies ice cream is made by hand with only the finest ingredients that can be found. We hand craft our ice cream in small batches, ten gallons or less at a time.The result is a rich, creamy, delicious ice cream crafted with care!

People hanging out and drinking beers in the Biergarten beside the brewery.

Breweries, Distilleries, & Wineries

Chattanooga Brewing Company

A taproom and brewery located on Chestnut Street in Chattanooga's historic Southside, Chattanooga Brewing Company serves up craft beer and quality food in a casual, comfortable setting inside or out in our german-style beer garden.

Image shows a bar with whiskey tasting flights

Breweries, Distilleries, & Wineries

Chattanooga Whiskey Experimental Distillery

Chattanooga's 1st distillery in over 100 years offering tours/tastings 7 days a week!

Places to Stay

Cabins & Chalets

Wauhatchie Woodlands

Discover a new kind of vacation rental, the Timberroot Rustic Retreat. Relax, recharge & create lasting memories at Wauhatchie Woodlands in Chattanooga.

Cabins & Chalets

Tennessee River Gorge Island Cabins

Located on Nickajack Lake in the Tennessee River Gorge.

Campgrounds & RV Parks

Raccoon Mountain Campground

Raccoon Mountain RV Park and Campground

Things to Do

Museums

Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

Ride a Vintage Short Line Train!

Tours

Chattanooga: Ghosts Of The Misty Mountains Walking Tour

Discover the #1 Ghost Tour in Chattanooga – Nightly Haunts Await!

Arthur McArthur is depicted carrying the Union flag during the Battle of Missionary Ridge

Museums

National Medal of Honor Heritage Center

The Heritage Center serves as an engaging storyteller and shares the real-life experiences of Medal of Honor recipients on their infamous day when they demonstrated extraordinary heroism under the most difficult circumstances.

Building the Big Nine: A Legacy of Black Excellence

Ruby Falls