Nashville, TN
Capital of Tennessee
Known as “Music City”
Overview
Nashville is the capital city of Tennessee, located in the Southeast region of the United States. Founded in 1779, the city has grown to a population of approximately 683,622 residents within a state of 6,910,840 people. As both the largest city and capital of Tennessee, Nashville serves as the political, administrative, and economic center of the state.
The city is home to the Tennessee State Capitol, a Greek Revival structure that has been a landmark since its completion in 1859. Designed by William Strickland, the capitol building stands as a testament to the state's history and governance, attracting visitors from across the country and around the world.
Nashville has served as the capital of Tennessee since 1826. Before Nashville, the state's capital was located in Knoxville, Kingston and Murfreesboro.
Tennessee State Capitol
The Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville is a striking Greek Revival building designed by famed architect William Strickland, who considered it his masterpiece -- so much so that he is entombed within its walls. Sitting atop the highest hill in downtown Nashville, the building features a distinctive tower modeled after the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates in Athens rather than a traditional dome. The exterior is constructed entirely of Tennessee limestone.
Greek Ionic temple design by William Strickland
Notable Features
- Tower modeled after the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates in Athens
- Architect William Strickland is entombed in the building's walls
- Tennessee limestone exterior
- Situated on the highest point in downtown Nashville
- Cast-iron galleries and ornamental details
- President James K. Polk's tomb on the grounds
Media Gallery
Original footage coming soon! User-submitted photos welcome.
Fun Facts & Trivia
- ★Architect William Strickland loved his creation so much that he requested to be buried in the northeast wall of the building, and his wish was granted.
- ★The building does not have a dome; instead, it features a tower modeled after an ancient Greek monument in Athens.
- ★President James K. Polk and his wife are buried on the capitol grounds.
- ★Nashville is known as 'Music City' and is the home of the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
- ★The Tennessee State Capitol sits on the highest point in downtown Nashville, originally called Cedar Knob.
- ★Tennessee was the last state to secede from the Union and the first to be readmitted after the Civil War.
- ★The building took 14 years to construct, from 1845 to 1859.