What Is the Tennessee State Capitol?
It’s the Tennessee State Capitol building!
What Makes It Historical?
This is a super unique capitol building, built to resemble a Greek Ionic temple with a tower modeled after the Choragic Monument to Lysicrates in Athens! This is one of the ways Nashville got its nickname, “Athens of the South!” Designed by William Strickland, the capitol cornerstone went in place July 4, 1845, and the building was complete in 1859, mostly using convict labor! Both Mr. Strickland and President Polk are buried here on capitol grounds!
After Union forces captured Nashville on December 16, 1864, the capitol became the headquarters for military governor and future president, Andrew Johnson! As a senator, Mr. Johnson had tried and failed to keep Tennessee in the Union but remained in the Senate even after his state seceded and his fellow senators resigned!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Donate to the Tennessee State Museum!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
How Do I Get There?
600 Dr. M.L.K. Jr Blvd.
Nashville, TN 37243
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit?
The capitol building is open on weekdays from 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM!
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