Dade County
Communities
Trenton
New England
Rising Fawn
Wildwood
Cloudland
The city of Trenton is older than the county. It was first settled in 1830 and was commonly called Salem. However, after the county was carved from Walker County territory in 1837, the small community became the county seat and was renamed Trenton in honor of the industrial engineers of Trenton, New Jersey who came to the area searching for iron and coal. Trenton was incorporated on February 18, 1854.
New England was incorporated on September 27, 1891. Originally called Morrison’s Station, it was re-christened New England when Yankee promoters backed the effort in hope that it would become the South’s industrial capital – an unfulfilled dream.
Rising Fawn was incorporated September 15, 1881. Folklore has it that the town was named by an Indian chief whose tribe made their home in the foothills of Lookout Mountain. He wanted to give his beautiful daughter the perfect name. One morning he spotted a fawn rising out of the brush in a nearby field. As he observed the large eyes and gracefulness of the body, he knew that he had found the name for his daughter – “Rising Fawn” – which became the name of the settlement there.
Wildwood is located in Dade County’s northeast corner, just below the Tennessee state line on U.S. Highway 11. A post office, community center and a few churches make up the heart of this growing community.
Cloudland Canyon is a community located 8 miles east of Trenton on the western edge of Lookout Mountain in an area that was once Cherokee Indian Territory. At an elevation ranging from 800 to 1,980 feet, it contains breathtaking views – especially at the State Park with the same name.
Education
The mission of the Dade County Public School System is to ensure that every student has the opportunity to become independent, hard-working, competent members of society within a caring and uplifting cultural environment which includes: dedicated teachers and staff, community and parent commitment, safe and orderly environments, and strong leadership committed to excellence.
Dade is also home to Covenant College, a Presbyterian-centered institution of higher education emphasizing liberal arts. It is located in the former Lookout Mountain Hotel, the posh “Castle in the Clouds”, built in 1928. The College has significantly developed the campus and cultivated important ties with the northwest Georgia and Chattanooga community.
Parks & Recreation
Parks are not only important for keeping residents and visitors active, they are also assets that increase Dade County’s desirability as a beautiful place to live, work and play. Be sure to visit:
