The Deadly Duel on Market Street: Chattanooga’s Forgotten Gunfight
A Deadly Dawn on Market Street
It was just past dawn in downtown Chattanooga when two men met on Market Street—not for breakfast or business, but for blood. One wore a bowler hat tipped low. The other, a long coat that flared with each step. In mere moments, this encounter would erupt into a deadly duel, a violent spectacle straight out of the Wild West, right in the heart of the Scenic City.
And yet, hardly anyone remembers it.
Welcome to one of Chattanooga's darkest, most forgotten tales: the Market Street Gunfight. It was a clash of ego, honor, and revenge that ended in death, whispers of cover-ups, and, if locals are to be believed, a lingering presence that still roams the street.
Why Chattanooga Is the Perfect Setting for Such a Tale
Tucked between the Appalachian foothills and the Tennessee River, Chattanooga Valley and its surrounding areas are not just postcard-pretty. They’re layered in history—some of it noble, much of it deeply haunted.
This region has seen Civil War battles, bootlegging wars, deadly feuds, and some of the eeriest ghost stories in Tennessee. It’s no surprise that legends cling to its cobbled alleys and historic buildings like fog after a rainstorm.
And Market Street? That’s the artery of old Chattanooga, pulsing with stories both seen and unseen.
The Duel: What Really Happened?
Two Men, One Reputation
In the fall of 1884, Charles "Charley" Redmond, a local gambler with ties to underground circles, accused Marshall William Tate, a Chattanooga police officer, of extorting protection money. Redmond was known for his sharp tongue and quicker trigger. Tate, meanwhile, was a lawman with a shadowy past and a reputation for taking justice into his own hands.
Rumors swirled that Redmond had dirt on Tate—and wasn’t afraid to spill it.
Shots Fired on Market Street
On October 9, 1884, the two met near the 800 block of Market Street. Eyewitnesses claimed they exchanged harsh words before Redmond drew first. Tate responded with two shots to the chest. Redmond fell instantly.
Tate walked away, weapon holstered, and was reportedly never charged with a crime.
And Then the Haunting Began
Locals soon reported strange occurrences along Market Street. Lights flickered. Shop doors opened on their own. A gambler's ghost, many said, lingered in the area, pacing the street where he died.
Some even claimed to see Redmond—bowler hat and all—staring from alley shadows, especially near the anniversary of his death.
Crazy & Unknown Facts
The Duel Was Covered Up: Newspaper records from 1884 briefly mention the shooting but omit Redmond's identity in early reports. Some believe city officials feared backlash against the police department.
Redmond's Family Vanished: Within two months of the shooting, Redmond’s wife and children reportedly left Chattanooga. No trace of them has been found since.
Modern-Day Sightings: As recently as 2019, paranormal investigators claim to have captured EVP (electronic voice phenomenon) in the area—a male voice repeating, "He shot first."
Local Theories & Lingering Lore
Ghost or Guilt?
Some say the ghost isn’t Redmond at all, but a figment of collective guilt—a community shamefully silenced by the idea that justice was never truly served.
Others believe Redmond’s spirit is bound to Market Street until his name is cleared. The strange part? Some city historians now admit that Tate had a questionable service record—including prior accusations of misconduct.
Chattanooga’s Paranormal Underground
Market Street isn't alone in its haunted history. Nearby areas like St. Elmo, Lookout Mountain, and the Underground Tunnels by the river have their own spirits. Redmond’s ghost may just be one among many who refuse to rest.
Featured Snippet: Top 5 Creepiest Chattanooga Hauntings
The Ghost Gambler of Market Street – Redmond’s shadowy figure still walks.
The Woman in White at Point Park – Civil War widow eternally searching.
The Screaming Tunnel near Hales Bar Dam – Rumored to echo the cries of lost children.
Lookout Mountain Hotel Hauntings – Paranormal activity in guest rooms.
Bragg Reservation Phantoms – Civil War spirits sighted by night hikers.
Conclusion: A Forgotten Gunfight, A Ghostly Legacy
The duel on Market Street might not appear in your high school history books, but its echoes remain. Whether it’s a cautionary tale of unchecked power, a mystery buried in time, or a true haunting, one thing is certain: Chattanooga never forgets its ghosts.
So the next time you walk Market Street, glance toward the shadows. If you see a bowler hat glinting in the dark, nod politely. Some spirits just want to be remembered.
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