Locating Red Bank, Tennessee
Introduction
Red Bank is a little city in Tennessee. It’s near a bigger city called Chattanooga. About 12,000 people live there. Let’s learn more about this neat place!
A Look Back in Time
From Pleasant Hill to Red Bank
Red Bank wasn’t always called Red Bank. A long time ago, people called it Pleasant Hill. But in 1881, they had to pick a new name when they wanted to open a post office. The first mailman’s wife came up with the name Red Bank. She saw red clay from her window and thought it was a good name.
Growing into a City
In 1955, Red Bank joined with another small town called White Oak, becoming one city called Red Bank-White Oak. But that name was too long, so 1966 they changed it to just Red Bank. It was simpler that way.
Where is Red Bank?
Red Bank is in a particular spot. It’s at the bottom of some big hills called the Cumberland Plateau. The city of Chattanooga is all around it. If you’re in downtown Chattanooga, Red Bank is just 5 miles north.
The main road in Red Bank is Dayton Boulevard. There’s also an extensive highway, U.S. Route 27, on the west side of town. Red Bank covers about 6.5 square miles—not very big, but it’s home to many people!
Who Lives in Red Bank?
The People of Red Bank
Red Bank has all kinds of people. Most people who live there are white. But there are also Black people, Hispanic people, Asian people, and others. Everyone is welcome in Red Bank!
In 2020, 11,899 people lived in Red Bank—that’s a lot of neighbors! There were 5,683 homes in the city. Some of these homes had families, and some had people living alone.
Jobs and Money
People in Red Bank work hard. In 2000, the average family made about $41,696 a year. That’s not as much as in some big cities, but it’s enough for many families to live well. Some people in Red Bank don’t have much money, though. About 8 out of every 100 people in Red Bank were poor.
Learning in Red Bank
Red Bank’s kids have good schools. There’s Red Bank High School for big kids, Red Bank Junior High for middle-sized kids, Alpine Crest Elementary for little kids, and an exceptional school called Dawn School.
Some Red Bank kids go to Red Bank Elementary. It’s funny—this school isn’t actually in Red Bank! It’s just outside the city, in Chattanooga.
How does Red Bank run?
Red Bank has a unique way of running things. It has five commissioners, who are like the city’s bosses. People in the Red Bank vote to choose their commissioners.
The commissioners don’t do all the work, though. They have a helper called the City Manager. Right now, the City Manager is Martin Granum. He takes care of the city’s day-to-day operations.
The City’s Leaders
Red Bank has a mayor, too. The mayor is like the head commissioner. Right now, the mayor is Hollie Berry. Other leaders include Vice Mayor Stefanie Dalton and Commissioners Jamie Fairbanks-Harvey, Hayes Wilkinson, and Pete Phillips.
These leaders meet twice a month to discuss important issues for the city. Anyone can come and listen, and people can tell the leaders what they think!
Voting in Red Bank
People in Red Bank like to vote. Many people in Red Bank vote in big elections, like when we pick the president. Sometimes, they prefer Democrats, and sometimes, they like Republicans. In 2020, more people voted for the Democrats, but in 2016, more people voted for the Republicans.
Nature in Red Bank
Red Bank has some lovely outdoor places. There’s a little creek called Stringer’s Branch and some hills called Stringer’s Ridge. People can take their dogs to White Oak Park. Kids can play at the Red Bank Community Center & Park and Kids Corner Park.
Red Bank is unique because it’s a “Bird Sanctuary.” That means it’s a safe place for birds. There’s even an extraordinary tree in Red Bank. It’s a Virginia Pine, the biggest in all of Tennessee!
Cities Near Red Bank
Red Bank is close to some big cities. Atlanta, Georgia, is about 107 miles away, and Nashville, Tennessee, is 111 miles away. If you want to go even further, visit Birmingham, Alabama (140 miles) or Charlotte, North Carolina (252 miles).
There are also many smaller towns right next to Red Bank. Places like Knollwood, Easton Terrace, and Lockwood Heights are so close that you could walk there!
Wrapping Up
Red Bank might be small, but it’s a great place. It has good schools, lovely parks, and friendly people. The leaders of Red Bank work hard to make it an excellent place to live. Whether you like history, nature, or just being part of a community, Red Bank has something for everyone.
Next time you’re near Chattanooga, why not take a little trip to Red Bank? You might be surprised by how much this little city has to offer!