The History of Nashville - From Founding to Fortune

Everywhere in Nashville has a story, from the first settlers in Nashville to the many neighborhoods that can be traced back to Generals in the Revolutionary War. We have always been curious about what foundations made Nashville the city that it is today, and can we see remnants of our past in the buildings we walk by every day? Throughout our journey at XPLR NASH, we’ve always been searching to see the history in the Nashville that we know and love today.

In this article, you’ll learn about a few significant people, places, and events that have significantly shaped the future of Nashville

The Natchez Trace Parkway: Connecting Cultures

The Natchez Trace Parkway is one of the most historically significant routes in the United States. Spanning 444 miles from Nashville, Tennessee, to Natchez, Mississippi, the parkway has served as a vital connection for centuries. Originally a travel and trade route for Native American tribes, it became a postal road in 1801 under Thomas Jefferson’s direction.

As a postal road, it carried goods, information, and travelers, including figures like Andrew Jackson and Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Today, it’s a scenic and well-maintained route under the care of the National Park Service, drawing millions of visitors annually.

Timothy de Mumbrien: Nashville’s First Resident

Before Nashville was the bustling city it is today, it was home to bison and deer roaming near a natural salt lick known as the French Lick. Timothy de Mumbrien, a French fur trader, was the first European settler to make this area home in the 1760s. Using Nashville as a trading post between New Orleans and northern territories, de Mumbrien laid the groundwork for what would later become a major hub of commerce.

His legacy lives on in landmarks like Demonbreun Street and Demonbreun Hill, named in his honor, though often mispronounced. These names remind us of Nashville’s roots as a trading and settlement point.

Nashville’s Evolution: From Fort to State Capital

In 1779, Fort Nashborough was established as a defensive structure and settlement during the American Revolution. Named after Revolutionary War General Francis Nash, the fort became the nucleus of the community that would grow into Nashville. By 1806, Nashville was officially recognized as a city, and in 1843 it became Tennessee’s permanent state capital.

The Tennessee State Capitol, completed in 1859, symbolizes Nashville’s political significance. It is also a historical landmark housing the graves of President James K. Polk and his wife, Sarah, who were instrumental in shaping the United States during Polk’s presidency from 1845 to 1849.

Nashville in the Civil War

During the Civil War, Nashville was a strategic hub due to its railroads and warehouses, which made it a critical supply center. Captured by Union forces in 1862, the city became a key stronghold in the South. Fort Negley, built during this time, served as the primary defense structure for the Union Army.

The region also saw significant battles, including the Battles of Stones River, Franklin, and Nashville, each of which played a role in the outcome of the war. These events cemented Nashville’s place as a focal point of Civil War history.

The Centennial Exposition and the Parthenon

In 1897, Nashville celebrated Tennessee’s 100th anniversary with the Centennial Exposition, a grand event that showcased global culture and innovation. The centerpiece was a full-scale replica of the Parthenon, which remains a major attraction in Centennial Park today.

The Parthenon, a symbol of Nashville’s ambition and cultural aspirations, houses a museum that tells the story of the exposition and features a towering statue of Athena, connecting visitors to both local and global history.

Nashville’s Role in Women’s Suffrage

The early 20th century brought pivotal moments for women’s rights, with Nashville playing a central role. The Hermitage Hotel became the headquarters for both sides of the suffrage movement as the battle over the 19th Amendment reached its climax. Tennessee’s ratification as the 36th state to approve the amendment in 1920 was the final step needed to grant women the right to vote.

This historic event highlighted Nashville’s influence in shaping national policy and social progress.

Music City and Cultural Identity

Nashville’s nickname, “Music City,” stems from two key moments. The first occurred in the late 1800s when the Fisk Jubilee Singers, a choral group from Fisk University, performed for Queen Victoria, reportedly inspiring her to call Nashville “a music city.” The second is tied to the Grand Ole Opry, the world’s longest-running radio show, which solidified Nashville as the epicenter of country music.

The Ryman Auditorium, once the home of the Opry, remains a testament to Nashville’s musical heritage, hosting legendary performances and cementing its place in cultural history.

The Civil Rights Movement in Nashville

Nashville played a leading role in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. Students from historically Black colleges organized sit-ins at segregated lunch counters, including at Woolworth on 5th, to protest racial injustice. Despite facing violence and arrests, their efforts led Nashville to become the first major city in the South to desegregate public facilities.

Woolworth on 5th now stands as a reminder of the bravery and determination of those who fought for equality, making it a critical stop for understanding Nashville’s role in the fight for civil rights.

Modern Growth and Transformation

The late 20th century saw Nashville’s rise as a hub for healthcare, sparked by the establishment of the Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) in 1969. Today, the city is home to over 500 healthcare companies, driving economic growth and innovation.

The 1990s and 2000s brought significant development, including iconic buildings like the AT&T "Batman" Building, Bridgestone Arena, and Nissan Stadium. Neighborhoods like Sobro (South of Broadway) transformed with new skyscrapers, green spaces, and cultural venues like the Music City Center.

Nashville’s rapid growth earned it the title of “It City” in 2015, attracting businesses, residents, and tourists alike.

Resilience in the Face of Challenges

Despite its growth, Nashville has faced significant challenges. In 2020, an F3 tornado caused widespread destruction across Middle Tennessee, followed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the devastating Christmas Day bombing on 2nd Avenue. These events tested the city’s resilience, but Nashville has shown an ability to rebuild and thrive.

A City Rooted in History and Looking to the Future

Nashville’s rich history is woven into its modern identity, making it a city that honors its past while embracing growth and innovation. From the Natchez Trace Parkway and Fort Nashborough to the Ryman Auditorium and Sobro’s skyscrapers, Nashville’s landmarks tell a story of resilience, creativity, and transformation.

Whether exploring its role in the Civil Rights Movement, learning about its music heritage, or simply enjoying its vibrant neighborhoods, Nashville offers a unique blend of history and culture that continues to captivate visitors and residents alike.