[2] The physical limitations and steep elevation of Heritage Hill inspired the construction of Snake Alley in 1894.

It was intended to link the downtown business district and the neighborhood shopping area located on North Sixth Street, of which Snake Alley is a one-block section.

Three German immigrants conceived and carried out the idea of a winding hillside street, similar to vineyard paths in France and Germany: Charles Starker, an architect and landscape engineer; William Steyh, the city engineer; and George Kriechbaum, a paving contractor.

Snake Alley consists of five half-curves and two quarter-curves over a distance of 275 feet (83.8 m), rising 58.3 ft (17.8 m), a 21% grade, from Washington Street to Columbia.

[2] There is also the annual Snake Alley Festival of Film where filmmakers from around the world gather to compete in the various categories for the awards.