Nashville is one of the most vibrant and culturally active cities in the United States. It has always been the center for musical activities and of great historic relevance in the rich cultural heritage of the United States.
Image Courtesy Tom Ros at Panoramio.com
History of Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville’s history can be traced to 200 years back. The settlement of Nashbourough named after war hero Francis Nash was constructed on the bank of Cumberland in the 1780s. Pioneer settlers arrived here and in 1796, Tennessee became the 16th state to be part of the Union. The 1812 war saw Nashville earn the moniker “Volunteer State”. It was during the 1820s that the music industry took over and earned Nashville several titles such as Music City and Buckle of the Bible Belt. Nashville was assigned as the permanent capital of Tennessee state in the 1840s and it was in 1844 that this city saw the election of Tennessee native James. K. Polk as president. At the time of the Civil War, 4 colleges were founded in the city. With this, it became known as the Athens of the South. Within the last 10 years of the 19th century, many industries developed in Tennessee. With the turn of the century, the city got its first downtown skyscraper in the shape of One Cent Savings Bank. Roaring twenties laid the foundation for the music heritage of the city and the establishment of its first symphony orchestra. Capitol Records opened its first recording studio( and the city’s first) in Nashville and the Country Music Association was also founded. During the 1960s, a hospital management company was formed in Nashville by Dr. Thomas Frist and it is now the biggest healthcare facility in the world. This city is now known as the Silicon Valley of the healthcare sector.
Important Locations in Nashville
The Belcourt Theatre
The Belcourt was originally opened as a silent movie house during the 1920s and it became a regular venue for the Children’s Theater of Nashville and Grand Ole Opry. The former is now the longest running theater for children in the world. The Belcourt now shows classic fare as a modern movie theater. If you want to know more, click
here.
Address - 2102, Belcourt Avenue
Nashville, Tennessee 37212
Telephone Number - 6158436150
Belle Meade Plantation
This is the site where there is an antebellum home 150 years old. It narrates the history of the Old South and captures the starkness of the Civil War. The plantation was finally converted to a thoroughbred nursery where famous horses were reared. Many derby winners trace their lineage to this plantation’s nursery. Find out more about the Belle Meade Plantation
here.
Address - 5025 Harding Pike Nashville, Tennessee-37205
Telephone Number - 6153560501
Belmont Mansion
This was once the home of the wealthiest persons during the civil war. Adelicia Acklen owned this house at one point in time. A savvy businesswoman, she ran a cotton crop farm profitably and successfully. Visit this
website to know more about this historical mansion.
Address - 1900 Belmont Boulevard, Nashville, Tennessee
Telephone Number - 6154605459
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
This state park is a lasting testament to the Bicentennial celebrations in June 1996 and this 19 acre site has many historical marvels such as a granite state map measuring 200 feet, a memorial dedicated to WWII and a river fountain as well as pathway to history. In the Walkway of Counties, planters contain native species of flora from different parts of the state. Park also has an amphitheater which seats 2000 people and was designed after a Greek theater at Epidaurus. The Nashville Farmers Market is located nearby. Get to know more about the park
here.
Address- 600, James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, Tennessee- 37243
Telephone Number - 6157415280
Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Art Museum
Around 8 miles southwest of downtown Nashville, this botanical garden and art museum occupies an area of 55 acres and houses a permanent art collection that is simply amazing. Exhibits in this museum cum garden include statues by W. Edmondson and a modernized paddock where contemporary art is featured. There are 11 gardens in all and globally recognized sculptors featured here. Noted landscape artist Bryan Fleming designed the gardens in the 1930s.
Address- 1200 Forrest Park Drive, Nashville Tennessee
Telephone Number - 6153568000
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum burst into American music scene since the opening in the 1960s. In 2001, the museum also acquired a building in downtown Nashville and now has a Taylor Swift education center and a CMA theater which is an 800 seater. Known as the Smithsonian of country music, this museum has a vast compilation go videos, music and designs. Live performances are another reason for which this musical hotspot is known.
Learn all about the hall of fame and museum
here.
Address- 222 Fifth Avenue Street, Nashville Tennessee-37203
Telephone Number - 6154162001
Fort Negley
This is the largest fortification constructed by Union troops in Nashville during the time of the Civil War. This is a complex fort constructed in a slightly star shaped design and the unique layout is perfect for crossfire against the Confederates. This 180,000 square feet foot covers 4 acres. Around 800 persons gave up their life for this first. During the battle of Nashville, this fort played a key role. This hotspot is listed on the National Registry of Historical Places. Learn all about the fort and the activities you can carry out
here.
Address- 534 Chestnut Street, Nashville, Tennessee-37203
Telephone Number - 6158628400
Hatch Show Print
This is the iconic letterpress store operated by Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. It moved to fifth avenue south and is one of the oldest shops in the US in its field. The same technique is used as that of the 1800s. Don’t miss the 10,000 different typefaces that are wooden and being sold here. This store attracts famous clients such as Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen. Hatch Show Print Haley Gallery is a 1200 square feet faller which features historical prints made from the wooden blocks. There’s even a Space for Design, a classroom and working area with indepth programs. Learn everything you need to know about Hatch Show Print
here.
Address - 224, Fifth Avenue Street Nashville Tennessee-37203
Telephone Number - 6155777710
Hermitage: Home of President Jackson
This Southern style colonial house is located within more than one thousand acres and belonged to Jackson, the late President of America. He built this massive house for his wife Rachel. The originality of the furnishings is real and you can enjoy the beauty of the place with its lush gardens, smoke house and family cemeteries. Find out more about this
here.
Address- 4580, Rachel’s Lane, Nashville, Tennessee, 37076
Telephone Number - 6158892941
RCA’s Studio B
This is one of the oldest studios for recording songs and audio grabs in the city. This studio is known for being the haunt of none other than the “King” Elvis Pressley who recorded over two hundred and fifty songs here. The studio was constructed by D. Maddox in the 1950s and it is known as the typical sound of Nashville. Those who recorded songs at Studio B include Bobby Bare, Floyd Cramer, Everly Brothers and Roy Orbison. You can tour the historic studio in the morning from 10:30 am onwards. Learn more about this
here.
Address - 1611, Roy Acuff Place, Nashville, Tennessee-37426
Telephone Number- 6154162001
Johnny Cash Museum
This museum was opened to the public in the month of May 2013. This is dedicated to the times and careers of the songwriter and singer. It is also dedicated to documenting Cash’s life before he became a musical genius. This is like stepping into Cash’s life and seeing the adventures he had. Get to know more
here.
Address- 119, Third Avenue Street, Nashville, Tennessee-37201
Telephone Number - 6152561777
Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum
This is the museum that honors great singers and musicians of our times. Musicians from Memphis, LA, Atlanta and Detroit have been selected for being features at this museum. Some of the hit bands including Toto and the MGs are showcased here. Music city has recorded many hits including those of singers like Neil Young and Bob Dylan. Discover more
here.
Address - 417 Fourth Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee-37201
Telephone Number- 6152443263
The Parthenon
This is the world’s signalments precise replica of the old Greek temple built during the 1890s. The lady goddess of wisdom, Athena is venerated in this temple. Goddess Nike is the compatriot of Ahthena. Statues here are as tall as 6 feet. Explore this
link to know more.
Address- Centennial Prk, 2600 West End Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee-37203
Telephone Number - 6158628431
Ryman Auditorium
This auditorium was once a church. In 20 years since its construction in 1890s, it was restored to the status of a tourist hotspot. It has been named theater of the year by many polls. Famous musicians who have performed here include the super talented American songstress Sheryl Crow. Wish to know more? Click on this
link.
Address: 116 Fifth Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee-37219
Telephone Number - 6158893060
Tennessee State Capitol
This is one of the most dated capitols in town standing since the 1850s. Well known architect W. Strickland designed this historical tourist destination. An American President (James J. Polk) is buried here. Excited to know more? Click
here.
Address - 600, Charlotte Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee-37243
Telephone Number - 6157412692
Tennessee State Museum
Art and culture are home at this museum which has some amazing dynamic exhibits here. Its Civil War section is among the most developed in the nation. Apart from paintings, this museum also showcases prehistoric tools and weapons along with cultural artifacts such as quilt. It also has a revolving gallery with changed exhibits. Want to know more? Visit this
link.
Address - 505 Deaderick Street, Nashville, Tennessee
Telephone Number - 6157412692
Traveller’s Rest Plantation
Built by Judge J. Overton, this is a historic Southern home with some very interesting features. Occupied by the Overton family, its name is Traveller’s Rest because it has played host to people like President Jackson. This home is located in over four thousand square foot area. Overton was the campaign manager for the president. Want to find out more? Click on this
link.
Address - 636, Farrell Parkway, Nashville, Tennessee-37220
Telephone Number - 6158328197
Cannonsburgh- Village for Pioneers
This is a South village which has been redone in the 1970s. It is literally a museum of earlier Southern life and it has antique tools as well as a general shop and museum. It is now called Murfreesboro. Learn more at the link
here.
Address - 312, South Front Street, Murfreesboro
Telephone Number - 6158900355
Carlton Plantation- Site of the Battle of Franklin
This stately home of the McGavocks has seen its share of history. The Battle of Franklin was fought quite close to it. The best selling novel Widow of the South was based on the life of Carrie McGavock. A confederate cemetry has also been constructed for commemorating the lives of fallen armed forces.
Address - 1345 Eastern Flank Circle
Telephone Number - 6157940903
Carter’s House- Non Profit Organization and Museum
Carter’s House was the refuge for the children, women and men under attack during the Civil War. Franklin’s Civil War battle was fought nearby. Carter House is now a not for profit organization and museum as well as a landmark registered by the national registry. Just need to find out more? Click
here.
Address - 1140, Columbia Avenue, Franklin, Tennessee
Telephone Number - 6157911861
Historic Mansker’s Station
This is one of the most well known history attractions in the US. Guides here are dressed in period style and live demos are there to get the feel of vintage Tennessee. Find out more about this historic monument
here.
Address - Frontier Life Center, Moss Wright Park, Goodletsville, Nashville, TN
Telephone Number - 6158590362
People and Culture of Nashville
The population estimate in Nashville is around 1726693. Called the Athens of the South and Music City, Nashville is home to a diverse population. It has a low cost of living and has seen a boost in growth of the IT industry. Many entrepreneurs have set up shop here. Magazines such as Forbes have cited Nashville as one of the best cities to take up a tech job in 2013. Nashville is also the center of a flourishing music industry.
Time Zones and Phone Codes of Nashville
Nashville follows Central Standard Time(also called Central Time). This is 6 hours behind UTC and when daylight saving time is observed, the time zone is called Central Daylight Time or CDT.
Standard time zone: UTC/GMT -6 hours
Daylight saving time: 1 hour
Current time zone offset: UTC/GMT -5 hour
Time zone abbreviation: CST/CDT
Area/Phone Codes of Nashville
Nashville Area Codes- 615 and 629
Main Nashville area- 615
Overlaying covering the area- 629
Best Time to Visit Nashville
The warm climate during the months of April to October make a visit to Nashville during these months ideal. Nashville is the heart of Tennessee and it has 4 distinct seasons-winter, summer, spring and fall. Winter is a less popular time to visit Nashville and hotel prices are typically low during this period. But Christmas in Nashville is also very enjoyable and those looking for budget holidays would do well to plan their trip in winter.
March to May
June to August
September to November
December to February
Nashville Map on Tourist Spots
