The city of Nashville really is an incredible historical facet of the nation to study. It’s not only a city that was founded on Christmas Eve (what a celebratory city!), the home of one of the oldest capitol buildings in the United States, and one of the fastest growing towns out there nowadays, but it’s a city that’s proud of where it came from and where it is going. Check out these fifteen old photos of Nashville that were taken throughout the 20th century and get to know the city as it once was.

1. It's not hard to figure out whether or not Tennessee is a hunting town or not...
Metro Nashville Archives - Facebook
Folks have been indulging in the sport for ages! Can you imagine going along on the Hillsboro Hounds Fox Hunt? This event took place in 1936. This photo really gives a sense of what was Nashville like in the 1900s.
2. Do you recognize Lower Broad?
Metro Nashville Archives - Facebook
This photo is from the 1960s, a bit closer to the millennium, but we can't get over how much the area has changed.
3. It's weird, isn't it, to see the capitol building standing all alone on Capitol Hill.
Metro Nashville Archives - Facebook
It's now surrounded by office buildings and skyscrapers, though this shot was taken during the capitol building renovation in the mid 1950s. Don't you just love looking at historic photos of Nashville? I know I sure do!
4. Just a quiet, normal, everyday experience in Nashville.
Metro Nashville Archives - Facebook
This undated photo gives us a solid blast from the past, especially with the old cars and outdated streetlights.
5. The War Memorial building, circa 1960.
Metro Nashville Archives - Facebook
Now you'll find festivals and community events held in the War Memorial Plaza, a far cry from the parking lot it once was.
6. An aerial photo of the city always exemplifies the growth of a town.
Metro Nashville Archives - Facebook
This photo was taken in 1935, a gorgeous overhead shot of the city we know and love so well.
7. Wait a second...
Metro Nashville Archives - Facebook
...this isn't quite a photograph, but it is fascinating to look at a city map drawn out in 1888.

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8. The Parthenon was built for the city's centennial celebration in 1879, and it's remained a magnificent part of the city ever since. It's one of the oldest places in Nashville.
Metro Nashville Archives - Facebook
Centennial Park has always been expansive and gorgeous, even all the way back in 1935.
9. Check out the Davidson County courthouse back in 1920.
Metro Nashville Archives - Facebook
What a beautiful place to report for jury duty.
10. Check out this aerial view of East Nashville, just above Main Street and Woodland Street.
Metro Nashville Archives - Facebook
Who would've thought that this side of the city would be overrun by hipsters in just a few short years?
11. The west side of Capitol Hill looked a lot different back in the mid-century.
Metro Nashville Archives - Facebook
It's incredible to see just out the city has built itself up in the last seventy years.
12. The Shelby Street Bridge was just as gorgeous and beautiful back in 1908, wasn't it?
Metro Nashville Archives - Facebook
A stunning monument in the heart of downtown, most folks cross it for work every day, from the east side of the city to downtown.
13. Can you tell what part of town this 1963 photograph covers...?
Metro Nashville Archives - Facebook
It's Green Hills! Sans the ridiculous traffic at all hours of the day, of course.
14. This photo is of the old City Hospital, taken in 1894.
Metro Nashville Archives - Facebook
They just don't make hospitals like this anymore, do they?
15. This photo was taken looking north over the Shelby Avenue Bridge.
Metro Nashville Archives - Facebook
It's undated, but we do appreciate the spare skyline at the edge of the Cumberland River.

Take a look at this video of the old days of Nashville by @wnpt:

What do you think of these old photos of Nashville? Do you remember how the city looked in the 1900s? How much has it changed? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

You can explore the city the way it exists nowadays with a visit to this classic diner — it’s the perfect way to experience the heart of a town. Through its food!

Explore Nashville in a unique way — take Nashville’s Speakeasies Food and Cocktail Tour that will take you back in time to the 1920s with a trip to three of the city’s speakeasies!

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More to Explore

Historic Nashville

Melissa M. | November 01, 2023

What are some of the most historic buildings in Nashville?

Among the most historic buildings in Nashville are the following:

  • Ryman Auditorium (c. 1892)
  • Belcourt Theatre (c. 1925)
  • The Tennessee State Capital (c.1859)
  • The Parthenon (c. 1897)
  • Clover Bottom Mansion (c. 1858)
  • Travellers Rest (c. 1799)
  • Two Rivers Mansion (c. 1859)
  • Tulip Grove (c. 1836)

 

While there are plenty of historic buildings it's worth checking out some of the historic neighborhoods in Nashville as well. There’s so much fascinating history to learn about Nashville! 

Are there any history tours I can take in Nashville?

Yes, there certainly are several history tours you can take in Nashville. Check out the following:

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