Dean Arnold Reflects on Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Hamilton County Pachyderm Club members gathered today for their weekly meeting, where guest speaker Dean Arnold took the spotlight. 

Arnold is a Chattanooga-based author, historian, filmmaker, and activist who has spent years exploring the roots and evolution of the city.

He’s best known for his book Old Money, New South: The Spirit of Chattanooga, which compiles interviews with over 50 local leaders, public figures, and prominent families to paint a vivid portrait of Chattanooga’s character and history.

The book also weaves in historical context from the Civil War to the Trail of Tears, and even the origins of the city’s name.

Now, nearly two decades after its release, Arnold returned to reflect on how much Chattanooga has changed, and what elements of its spirit have stayed the same.