The Scenic City is teeming with historical significance, but not every landmark receives the recognition it deserves. Historical markers, like those at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center or Cravens House, commemorate important sites, neighborhoods, and cultural events. However, hidden gems like Bea’s Restaurant—a favorite of the late Leslie Jordan—or Joseph Giri’s iconic “Flying Doughnut” mural often go unnoticed. Now, locals have the chance to spotlight these unofficial historic locations. By submitting suggestions to the city’s historical marker project, community members can celebrate places they believe deserve the attention and be featured on a nationwide map.

Submissions are open until December 3 at 11:59PM, and finalists will be announced in a community newsletter. Readers will then vote for their favorite spot, with the winner revealed later that month. While there’s no guarantee it will receive an official historical marker, it will certainly earn a special place in everybody’s heart. To dive deeper into Chattanooga’s rich history, explore the Historical Marker Database, a treasure trove of information about its storied past.