NASHVILLE — The Tennessee State Building Commission has approved a $260 million project to replace the aging Moccasin Bend Mental Health Institute in Chattanooga, but crucially, no new location has been finalized for the new facility. The approval of the funding comes after the state revisited its plans to build on the current Moccasin Bend site, a location historically significant to Native American communities.
The decision was influenced by an archaeological review initiated by Governor Bill Lee after multiple groups, including Native American tribes, urged the state to reconsider its initial plan to rebuild the hospital on land that holds deep cultural and historical significance.
Historical Concerns Lead to Site Reassessment
Moccasin Bend has been the home of the mental health hospital since 1961, but recent archaeological surveys have revealed that nearly three-fourths of the state-owned land at the site contains historic materials from the Woodland period, including ancient hearths, pits, and evidence of burial mounds and subterranean villages. These findings indicate that the site may contain human remains and other culturally significant artifacts, prompting concerns about the potential destruction of sacred tribal lands.
In response to the growing concerns, groups such as the Eastern Band of the Cherokee and the Cherokee Nation passed a resolution in June 2024 advocating for the preservation of the site. These actions, combined with the findings from the Tennessee Historical Commission, were pivotal in persuading the state to abandon its initial plan to rebuild the facility on the Moccasin Bend property.
State Senator Bo Watson, who has been working closely with the Department of General Services and Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner Marie Williams, expressed confidence that the State Building Commission would approve a revised plan for a new location, given the challenges of building on the historic land.
No Final Site Decision Yet
Although the new mental health facility is approved, no final decision has been made regarding the new site for the facility. The state is currently evaluating two potential locations: one near Chattanooga and another in Knoxville. These sites are being considered as alternatives after the historical significance of Moccasin Bend made it untenable for the project to proceed there.
“We knew that once we determined we couldn’t build on the historic Moccasin Bend site, we’d have to find alternative locations,” said Sen. Watson, acknowledging the complexity of the project.
Impact of Native American Advocacy
The involvement of Native American groups in advocating for the preservation of the Moccasin Bend site had a significant influence on the state’s decision. The Cherokee Nation and the Eastern Band of the Cherokee had expressed strong opposition to the development on land considered sacred, with their resolution in June 2024 urging the state to reconsider its plans. Frank Robbins, a local Chattanooga resident who also opposed construction on the historic site, remarked that the involvement of the Native American tribes was likely the “coup de grace” that led to the state’s decision to abandon its initial plans.
The Legacy of Moccasin Bend
Moccasin Bend is not only an active site for the mental health institute but also a national historic landmark, designated in 1986. In 2003, it was officially recognized as part of the Moccasin Bend National Archaeological District. This designation came with a commitment that any non-conforming or discontinuous uses of the land would lead to it reverting to its intended use as a national park.
Adding to the complexity of the decision-making process was the presence of Moccasin Bend Golf Club, a shooting range, and private properties on the site, which further complicated the plan to redevelop the area.
Looking Ahead
With the approval of the $260 million budget for the new facility, the state will now focus on securing a new site for the replacement mental health facility, with plans to incorporate input from Native American groups and historical preservation advocates. As Tennessee navigates the complexities of balancing the need for mental health services with the preservation of sacred and culturally significant lands, finding a suitable location will be critical in maintaining both the community’s health and the respect for its history.
The project will continue to evolve, with updates expected as new sites are evaluated and a final decision is made in the coming months.
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