Charles H. Coolidge Medal of Honor Heritage Center, Chattanooga
The Charles H. Coolidge Medal of Honor Heritage Center in Chattanooga is a tribute to the nation’s highest military award for valor and the extraordinary individuals who have received it. Situated in Aquarium Plaza, this 19,000-square-foot museum offers an immersive, emotionally engaging experience that brings history to life through life-sized exhibits, audio-visual presentations, and interactive storytelling.
Chattanooga’s Medal of Honor legacy began with the first award on March 25, 1863, to Private Jacob Parrott for “The Great Locomotive Chase.” Nineteen of the 24 Andrews’ Raiders later received the medal, and Civil War battles in the region led to 33 more recipients. This rich history makes Chattanooga the perfect home for the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center.
Named in honor of Charles H. Coolidge, a Chattanooga native, and World War II Medal of Honor recipient, the Heritage Center preserves and shares the stories of American service members who demonstrated extraordinary heroism under the most difficult circumstances. From the Civil War to present-day conflicts, the museum highlights personal narratives that exemplify patriotism, courage, citizenship, integrity, sacrifice, and commitment.
Visitors to the Heritage Center can step into realistic, interactive exhibits that recreate historic moments in military history. With over 6,000 artifacts spanning wars from the Civil War to modern conflicts, the museum offers a deep dive into the realities of military service and the personal stories of heroism that define the Medal of Honor.
The Heritage Center preserves history while educating and inspiring visitors, especially youth, through programs promoting the six core values of the Medal of Honor. Each year on March 25, the National Medal of Honor Day honors over 3,500 courageous recipients. The center serves as a lasting tribute, ensuring their legacy continues to inspire. A visit offers more than history-it’s a chance to reflect on true heroism and our role in upholding its values.
Chattanooga’s Medal of Honor legacy began with the first award on March 25, 1863, to Private Jacob Parrott for “The Great Locomotive Chase.” Nineteen of the 24 Andrews’ Raiders later received the medal, and Civil War battles in the region led to 33 more recipients. This rich history makes Chattanooga the perfect home for the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center.
Named in honor of Charles H. Coolidge, a Chattanooga native, and World War II Medal of Honor recipient, the Heritage Center preserves and shares the stories of American service members who demonstrated extraordinary heroism under the most difficult circumstances. From the Civil War to present-day conflicts, the museum highlights personal narratives that exemplify patriotism, courage, citizenship, integrity, sacrifice, and commitment.
Visitors to the Heritage Center can step into realistic, interactive exhibits that recreate historic moments in military history. With over 6,000 artifacts spanning wars from the Civil War to modern conflicts, the museum offers a deep dive into the realities of military service and the personal stories of heroism that define the Medal of Honor.
The Heritage Center preserves history while educating and inspiring visitors, especially youth, through programs promoting the six core values of the Medal of Honor. Each year on March 25, the National Medal of Honor Day honors over 3,500 courageous recipients. The center serves as a lasting tribute, ensuring their legacy continues to inspire. A visit offers more than history-it’s a chance to reflect on true heroism and our role in upholding its values.
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Charles H. Coolidge Medal of Honor Heritage Center on Map
Sight Name: Charles H. Coolidge Medal of Honor Heritage Center
Sight Location: Chattanooga, USA (See walking tours in Chattanooga)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Sight Location: Chattanooga, USA (See walking tours in Chattanooga)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Walking Tours in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Create Your Own Walk in Chattanooga
Creating your own self-guided walk in Chattanooga is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Chattanooga Introduction Walking Tour
Boredom is hard to come by in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Sitting on the banks of the Tennessee River in the southeastern part of the state, its official nickname is the "Scenic City", alluding to the surrounding Appalachian Mountains. On top of this, there are multiple unofficial monikers like the "River City", "Chatt", "Nooga", and "Chattown".
The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles