Ringgold plans pedestrian bridge over Nashville Street

When Ringgold, Ga., gets a new pedestrian bridge over its main drag, Nashville Street, concrete cannonballs will adorn two of the bridge's abutments.

They'll be a nod to Maj. Samuel B. Ringgold, who's known as the "Father of Modern Artillery" for introducing the U.S. Army to concepts such as a "flying artillery" -- cannons moved quickly around the battlefield.

Ringgold is one of half a dozen towns named after the Mexican-American War hero, who died after enemy cannon fire mangled his legs.

"I kind of play it up a little bit, whether people know [about him] or not," Ringgold architect Ross Andrews said.

Andrews designed the pedestrian bridge that will allow easier access between the historic Ringgold Depot, a popular venue for events such as concerts and weddings, and a 52-space city parking lot south of Nashville Street, also known as U.S. Highway 41.

The parking lot hardly is used, Andrews said, because pedestrians must negotiate a steep grade and navigate busy Nashville Street, which lacks a crosswalk near the depot.

Read More. (Chattanooga Times Free Press)