Top Landmarks in Nashville
(cc: photo credit: j.o.h.n. walker)
Nashville history and landmarks entails more than just country music that goes back to the late 1700s. Although, it’s an important aspect to the city’s culture, and history, one that shouldn’t be overlooked when visiting, there are plenty of other landmarks to give you the full spectrum of downtown Nashville.
Tennessee State Capital houses the governor’s office and the Tennessee State Legislature. The architecture is modeled after Greek revival architecture and took fourteen years to construct, finished in 1859. When visiting the capital building you will see monument statues of Andrew Jackson, Andrew Johnson, Alvin York as well as the tomb of James Polk. Touring admission is free during the hours of 9-4, Monday through Friday.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum preserves the history and educates the public of country music. This is their new $37,000,000 building, opened in 2001. The exterior of the building was designed to depict musical instruments. The windows look like piano keys, round discs around the tower look like CDs and records. You’ll see memorabilia, music clips, photos, biographies and more of your old country music favorites. Newest members inducted into the hall of fame are Tom T. Hall, Emmylou Harris, The Statler Brothers and Earnest V. “Pop” Stoneman.
Tennessee Tower (William T. Snodgrass Tennessee Tower), 452 feet and 31 floors, is probably best known for the building that displayed messages through it’s building lights. After a ten year silence, the word “Peace” was lit up at the end of 2007. Formerly, the building was used by the National Life and Accident Insurance Company and then by the National Life Center. Today the Tennessee Tower is populated by 1000 plus governmental employees.
Shelby Street Bridge crosses the Cumberland River. This truss bridge, opened in 1909, but today is one of the longest pedestrian bridge in the world at 3,150 feet. The bridge was admitted into the National Register of Historic Places in 1998. Because of it’s historical landmark status it is often seen in country music videos. The Metropolitan Government of Nashville will rent you the bridge for special occasions.
The Travelers Rest Plantation and Museum was started in 1799 by Judge John Overton. However, it wasn’t completed until 50 years later. Included in the museum are period furniture as well as letters and records of the time. The oldest house in Nashville has special tours and events such as the Magnolia Lunch and Tour, The Last Campaign and special group tours for twelve or more participants.
The Hermitage was Andrew Jackson’s home, but has been open to the public as a museum since 1889. The historical value of the estate is depicted throughout the home that was passed down to Andrew Jackson’s adopted son, Andrew Jackson Jr. and sold to the state of Tennessee when the son became embroiled in business debt. The museum is open through out the year at varying times with reduced hours during the seasonal months of January and February. Allow two hours to enjoy the full tour.
Parthenon, a full scale replica of the Athens Parthenon, was built in 1898. It was constructed as part of the Tennessee Centennial Exposition. It’s located just west of downtown Nashville and stands in the center of the Centennial Park, functioning as an art museum with work by 19th and 20th century artists. Many temporary exhibits and shows take place at additional gallery space. A 42 foot statue of Athena is the crowning glory of the building as it is in Athens.
Belle Meade Plantation lies just 6 miles west of Nashville. The 1853 Harding-Jackson family mansion sits on a 30 acre historic site. At it’s original size the farm spanned 5,400 acres boasting the title of one of the largest Nashville estates. Many famous race horses can trace their bloodline back to this famous horse farm. Events such as the Nashville Opera, Kentucky Derby Parties, horse races and holiday exhibitions and festivals all hale from Belle Meade Plantation.
Trail of Tears – Tennessee was the area Indians passed through during 1838 due to the Indian Removal Policy of 1825. Although 15,000 Cherokee protested and it went all the way to the Supreme Court with a victory to the Indians, the removal still took place. This is the path the Cherokee were forced to walk all the way to Okalahoma with many dieing along the way.
Grand Ole Opry had it’s humble beginnings as a barn dance in the fifth floor radio station of the American Life and Accident Insurance Company. It featured Dr. Humphrey Bate and his string quartet. As the radio show became more popular, the small studio couldn’t accommodate all the new fans and they moved many times to a larger building each time, finally ending up in it’s present location. Attending a performance at the Grand Ole Opry is a must to put on your schedule when visiting Nashville.
Nashville Public Library (main branch) is nirvana to any book lover. After you get over the wonderful parking garage, you’ll marvel at the beautiful building with marble stacks of books and the great kid’s section, including marionette shoes every Friday and Saturday. There are also great events and classes for all ages including book discussions and Baby and Me classes. Bring a deli lunch and enjoy the courtyard on the second level where you can eat and read. Residents of Nashville have been seen with the bumper sticker on their cars, “A city with a great library is a great city.”
Holly Street Fire Hall or Engine Co. 14 is a beautiful old building dated back to 1917. And, it’s still a full functioning fire stations. It’s a spot no history buff should go without seeing if you’re visiting Nashville. They recently went through an expensive refurbishing that was quite pricy, so it’s better than ever now. It’s in the Register of Historic Places.
Owl’s Hill Nature Center is a 160 acres of “green” sanctuary. The center dedicated to species protection, research, conservation and restoration. Public access is minimal, but well worth getting signed up for one of the tours. There are spring break activities and children’s summer camp which you can register for online where you can also find a virtual visit.
Speaking of landmarks, here’s your online landmark for cheap hotels in Nashville, or anywhere in else the world for that matter.
Categories: Sightseeing
