Memorial Day, formerly known as Decoration Day, has its origins in the aftermath of the American Civil War. The Civil War, which ended in the spring of 1865, left the nation divided and mourning the loss of hundreds of thousands of soldiers from both the Union and Confederate sides.

Chattanooga, a city in southeastern Tennessee, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Cherokee. The name "Chattanooga" itself is derived from the Creek Indian word for "rock coming to a point," referring to Lookout Mountain, a prominent natural feature in the region.