DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE- DAVIDSON CO.

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IMAGES From Nostalgiaville
TENNESSEE- DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE, TN

NOTE: A Click of your Mouse on most of the pictures will enlarge them for better viewing

IMAGES From Nostalgiaville
TENNESSEE- (RIVERFRONT GREENWAY)- DAVIDSON COUNTY- NASHVILLE, TN-
6-17-06

NOTE: A Click of your Mouse on most of the pictures will enlarge them for better viewing

RIVERFRONT GREENWAY

From the time you unload your bicycle, you are immersed in history... driven back in time when life was... really different.

The bell you hear ringing is coming from Fort Nashboro warning of an imminent Indian Attack. The steamboats hurrying up and down the Cumberland River have their own distinct sound. The city's skyline fades to woods, horse and buggy's, floods, rugged men toting long-rifles.. all the sights and sounds the city was made from.

Well... slip on the buckskin jacket... and the coon-skin cap, hop on the bicycle... and let's get started

AN URBAN GREENWAY ALONG NASHVILLE'S HISTORIC RIVERFRONT
This greenway trail is a short segment in a growing network of multiuse trails and linear parks throughout the city. This segment, the Riverfront Greenway, is unique in its historical context and urban character. From this location near the Tennessee Bicentennial Mall, the Downtown Connector leads eastward, roughly along the historic path of the now-diverted French Lick Creek, to the west bank of the Cumberland. The trail then continues south along the river, connecting points of interest including the Cherokee Nation Trail of Tears, the historic Woodland Street Bridge, the Timothy Demonbreun statue and Fort Nashboro, where the greenway connects with Riverfront Park.

1 (MILE 0.0)

The trailhead of the Greenway looking up-river toward the Gateway Bridge

Looking down river and down trail toward the Shelby Pedestrian Bridge

The Greenway begins beside a railroad track that runs parallel to the Cumberland River. The Broadway Dinner Train used to, and maybe still does, run periodic dinner excursions.

A few quick peddles carries us under the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge

The first stop in "Peddling through history on the Greenway" is at the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge

Pier Construction 1908

Main Span April 1909

Reinforced Concrete Truss October 1908

2 (MILE 0.2)

RIVERFRONT PARK

Riverfront Landing

Old Train Station Replica, now a part of Riverfront Park

A hard days night in the park... it's nap time on the Riverfront

The Hard Rock Cafe

DEMONBREUN'S CAVE
Jacques Timothe De Montbrun, French Canadian fur trader and later lieutenant governor of the Illinois Country, visited this area as early as 1769. On at least one occasion he took refuge in the cave 0.9 miles east, when attacked by Indians. He settled in Nashville in 1790, living there until his death in 1826.

First Avenue restored from old riverside turn of the century warehouses

BB King's "Deep Blues" Cafe

Charlie Daniels Museum topped by "Gotham Towers"

Adelphia Stadium, home of the Tennessee Titans

Riverfront Park concert stage

Old Nashville Bridge Company Offices

Commerce on the Cumberland

3 (MILE 0.3)

FORT NASHBOROUGH
The original stockade fronted on the river slightly north of here, covering an area of about two acres. In that enclosure, on May 13, 1780, representatives of this and other settlements met and adopted the Cumberland Compact for the government of the new settlement. About 500 yards west, April 2, 1781, settlers, assisted by dogs, drove off the Indians in the Battle of the Bluffs.

On an overland route of nearly 500 miles and a river journey twice that long, James Robertson and John Donelson led the first pioneer settlers in two parties to the valley of the Cumberland in 1779 - 1980. The original fort stood near this location and measured roughly 247 feet by 123 feet. It was four times the size of this replica. Two-storied blockhouses stood at all corners and were used for defense. Small cabins housed families.

FORT NASHBOROUGH
Named in memory of General Nash of North Carolina who fell at Germantown, Pennsylvania, October 4, 1777, in the War of the Revolution. Erected on bluff near this location by the pioneers of the Cumberland Settlement in the year 1780, as a central fort of defense against Indian attacks. Was the scene of many noted historical events, especially the Indian Attack of April 2, 1781, known as: "THE BATTLE OF THE BLUFF"

This representation of the original fort was built by appropriations from the State of Tennessee, the County of Davidson and the City of Nashville. Through the patriotic work of the Tennessee Society Daughters of the American Revolution and the persevering efforts of the four Nashville chapters viz, Cumberland General James Robertson Campbell and Colonel Thomas McCrory. Erected in 1930- the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the settlement of what is now the City of Nashville.

IN HONOR OF COLONEL JAMES ROBERTSON (Born 1742 in Virginia - Died 1814 in Tennessee)
He came from Eastern North Carolina to the Watauga Settlement in what is now Eastern Tennessee 1769 - 1770, where he was a leader in civil and Indian affairs. Conducted the "land party" of settlers to the French Lick in 1779 - 1780. Built this Fort Nashborough and defended it in all the various Indian attacks. Remained with the colony when many had forsaken it during a period of great stress, suffering and discouragement and gave to it a world life-time of patriotic service.

The verdict of history well entitles him to the name of "the father of west (now middle) Tennessee" and the "Founder of Nashville". He possessed to an eminent degree the confidence and esteem of all his contemporaries, and merited all the eulogium and affection which the most ardent of his countrymen have ever bestowed upon him. His services in peace and war are gratefully remembered" (Haywood)

COLONEL JOHN DONELSON
In appreciation of the services of Colonel John Donelson (Born in Delaware, 1718 - Died in Kentucky 1786). Distinguished in early life in Virginia as a civil, industrial and military leader. Member of the House of Borgesses, iron manufacturer, Lieutenant Colonel of Pittsylvania County, and devoted vestryman of Camden Parish. Noted surveyor of state boundaries maker of treaties with the Indians, and revolutionary patriot emigrated west in 1779 - 1780. A leader and "diarist" of the settlers going by water in:

"The good boat adventure from Fort Patrick Henry to the French Salt Spring on Cumberland River. Founder of Donelson's Station on Stones River, 1780" One of the commissioners holding treaty with the Chickasaw Indians near Nashborough, 1703. Member of the Tennessee Land Company". Projecting a settlement of the "Great Bend" of Tennessee River 1785. Lost his life... supposed to have been murdered by the Indians near Big Barren River, Kentucky, 1786.

COLONEL HENDERSON (Born in Virginia 17?? - Died in North Carolina 1785)
Founder and Promoter of the noted "Transylvania Land Company". Whose purchase from the Cherokee Indians covered the territory from the waters of Kentucky River to that of Cumberland. His first settlement was made at Boonesborough. Which failed in loss of title by action of Virginia. His second attempt at settlement was made in 1779 - 1780, at this place on Cumberland River, then known as "The French Lick".

He enlisted James Robertson of the Watauga Settlement to lead this project while he acted as commissioner from North Carolina to survey the boundary line between that state and Virginia in order to know in which state the settlement would fall. Early in 1780 Colonel Henderson joined the settlement provided corn for its maintenance the "Compact" for its civil government and a land-office for the sale of lands. Dissatisfaction soon arose as to the validity of titles.

Discouragements as to provisions and danger from Indians. The life of the settlement was seriously threatened. Colonel Henderson returned to North Carolina leaving James Robertson in charge, who after many triads brought it to success. "Colonel Henderson was a gentleman eminently distinguished for his legal acquirements both as an advocate and as a judge still more so for a sound judgment as well as mental endowments... which made him an object of general admiration". (Haywood)

JACQUES TIMOTHE BOUCHER de MONTBRUN
Timothy Demonbreun (1747 - 1826). French Canadian fur trader and explorer. Officer of the American Revolution. Lieutenant Governor of the Illinois Territory. Honored as Nashville's "First Citizen". Sculptor- Alan LeQuire. Plaque donated in memory of- Dr Truman Weldon Demunbreun, President of the Timothy Demonbreun Heritage Society, 1977 - 1996.

Fort Nashboro is situated an a hill overlooking the Cumberland River. This picture of the Shelby Pedestrian Bridge is taken from the Fort area.

AN URBAN GREENWAY ALONG NASHVILLE'S HISTORIC DOWNTOWN RIVERFRONT
From prehistory to the present, the Cumberland River has shaped our city. By the early 1800's, the town of Nashville was thriving because of its proximity to this natural water highway. Goods such as flour, tobacco, pork and iron were regularly floated down river to New Orleans on keelboats and barges. Commerce increased exponentially after 1814 as steam technology allowed river travel to move upstream and down. This vital connectivity of commerce expanded still further as railroads were introduced to deliver products to a wider array of "inland" destinations.

The three insert images are from early Nashville maps dating back to 1908. The bottom map shows a large riverfront wharf, where goods were delivered to and from Nashville's downtown along Front Street (now First Avenue).

The middle and top sections of the map show the buildings that once lined the river bluff. As you travel along the Downtown Connector trail, remnants of historic buildings and old railroad corridors can still be seen. Still central to Nashville's character, and now being rediscovered for its environmental and recreational values, the Cumberland River travels fifty-seven miles through Davidson County. Along its path the river links commerce, industry, agriculture and nature while maintaining its connection between the past and the present.

4 (MILE 0.5)

The Woodland Street Bridge appears at Mile 0.5.

Victory Memorial Bridge underpass at Mile 0.60

Davidson County Courthouse (now being remodeled)

5 (MILE 0.9)

At Mile 0.9 we pass under the CS&X Railroad Bridge

A true native Nashvillian living under the bridge poses for a quick shot

The Stockyard is a place for fine dining. As the name implies, the area was once occupied by Nashville's stockyards

6 (MILE 1.1)

On the right as we approach a hard left turn in the trail, an interesting apartment complex appears. It fronts the Cumberland River and was built inside an old steel fabricating shed that once occupied the space

The trail makes a "round-about" at the turn toward the Bicentennial Mall

And we discover that nature has its own "round-about"

Beyond the turn, a couple of "Cool Cats" wish us well on our way.

BASEBALL COMES TO NASHVILLE
Union troops occupying Nashville during the Civil War brought baseball to the city in 1862, and soon afterward Nashvillian Herman Sandhouse organized the first amateur team. The finest players graduated to the preeminent Nashville Athletic Club that had the only regulation diamond here at Sulphur Springs Bottom. By 1901, Nashville was a member of the professional Southern Association League which included teams from Memphis, Birmingham, New Orleans, Chattanooga, Little Rock, Shreveport, and Selma.

Nashvillian Newt Fisher managed the Nashville Americans (later the Fishermen and, finally, the Vols), which won the first of their nine league championships that inaugural season in 1901. Home to the minor league Vols, the park was also used occasionally by the Negro National League's Nashville Elite Giants.

Bordered by Fourth and Fifth Avenues North, Jackson Street, and the railroad spur, the park had several peculiarities. True to its historic aquatic beginnings, the old park tended to flood. At first, home plate faced the Capitol from the corner of Fourth and Jackson. In 1926 the field was turned around when a steel and concrete grandstand replaced the wooden stands to seat about 7,800. The park was 22 feet below street level, and the outfield was notorious for its terraced inclines that forced some fielders to run 25 feet up a steep bank to make the catch. The right field fence was a short 262 feet from home. In 1908, Nashville sportswriter Grantland Rice gave the park its name Sulphur Dell.

By the early 1960's attendance at the Vols' games had dwindled to less than 55,000 for the season, down from a peak of 250,000. When the park was closed in 1963, after 97 years of operation, Sulphur Dell was the oldest professional baseball ground in America.

Nashvillian and Baseball Hall of Fame honoree, former Vols manager Jim Turner (left) is recognized on Jim Turner Day in 1953 at his home field, Sulphur Dell, while working as pitching coach with Casey Stengel (right), manager of the New York Yankees.

SULPHUR DELL
Nashville's first (1885) professional baseball was played in the Athletic Park which formerly occupied this block. Traditionally baseball was introduced in Nashville in 1862 by soldiers of the Union army of occupation who played the game here. This low lying area, originally called Sulphur Spring Bottom, was first called "Sulphur Dell" by local sports writer, Grantland Rice. In 1963 this was the oldest playing grounds still in use in professional baseball.

From time immemorial, creatures which drank from this salt sulphur spring water were imbibing the remains of an ancient sea that covered West and Middle Tennessee beginning 570 million years ago. Animals sought the salt in this Ordovician-aged brew. Humans also sought the sulphur, which some believe has medicinal properties. Fossils indicate that Pliocene mammals likely converged here beginning 2.5 million years ago. Giant camels, elephant-like mastodons, wild horses, deer, ox-sized ground sloth, native American pigs called peccaries, and saber-toothed tigers.

Author Lizzie Elliott imagined what the first white long-hunters saw here, "...they were near the foot of a steep hill which rose high above them on their right. On their left was a wide valley through which ran a beautiful creek. The ground had been trampled by the feet of wild animals for many years. They found that clear, sparkling water was oozing up from that muddy place. On tasting it they found it was strong salt water, clear and cold. So this wonderful place in that low valley these men called The Salt Lick".

The salt water rose from 1,000 feet below through Bigby Limestone made of ancient marine creatures. The ratio of salt to the sulfate, that lies closer to the surface, has fluctuated. In 1790, as native Americans had done five centuries before him, Captain Anthony Hart tried to manufacture salt by dehydrating the solution. Impatient, he drilled to "tap the salt directly," but efforts only changed the composition to favor sulfur. This "curative water" was long considered a public resource.

1864 view from north steps of the Capitol during Union occupation. Sulphur Spring is center right.

7 (MILE 1.3)

This section of the Greenway is beautifully landscaped as we approach the Bicentennial Mall at Mile 1.30

All along this section of trail we catch glimpses of the Nashville skyline.

FRENCH LICK CREEK
The name French Lick Creek, the course of which is traced approximately by the greenway leading east, recognizes the presence of the French Traders Charles Charleville and Timothy Demonbreun. They lived here in the 1700's and traded European goods for animal skins with the Cherokees and Shawnees. Cherokees lived in East Tennessee, and Chickasaws lived in West Tennessee. Both tribes hunted in game-rich Middle Tennessee, and in the early 1700's drove out a community of Shawnees who had settled here.

The solitary longhunters, early traders, and small bands of explorers did not threaten the communal use of this land, but that changed after these early explorers and African-American slaves reported the natural riches to pioneers in East Tennessee. James Robertson, with John Donelson, organized a party of settlers and slaves to return to French Lick. For two months, Robertson and the younger men trekked overland 500 miles with the livestock. On Christmas Day, 1779, they walked across the frozen Cumberland River to establish a rudimentary colony on the river bluff southeast of here at the foot of Church Street. Donelson with the women and children and older men, made the arduous 1,000 mile waterway journey on flatboats. They overcame Indian attacks, unknown and treacherous waters, and sever winter weather to arrive at French Lick on April 24, 1780.

The French Lick and environs were the northern terminus of the great buffalo trail. It was used by Native Americans and later by pioneers, who called it the Natchez Trace. The Lick was a gathering place for American bison, elk, deer, and associated animals that are recalled by the sculptures along the greenway. The plants and trees are examples of the species that fed the animals and human beings here for centuries.

The early pioneers survived and established Nashville, but extensive settlement in this low lying area was impossible due to the frequent flooding. Around 1892 the landscape changed when the "bottom" was filled to accommodate development. French Lick Creek was buried in a 15-foot diameter brick sewer that still diverts the waters beneath you to the Cumberland River.

Amidst light industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the area was inhabited by Germans, Russian Jews, other Europeans, and African-Americans. By the 1940's, a portion of the area mostly inhabited by African-Americans was known as "Hell's Half Acre". Nashville, the nation's first urban renewal city, undertook redevelopment of the area around the Capitol in 1949, and the land was re-shaped for the second time.

THE TENNESSEE CIVILIAN CONSERVATION CORPS
Few men have the satisfaction of knowing they have made a contribution in their lifetime that will last through the ages and touch the lives of thousands. Men of the CCC know that feeling well. The Civilian Conservation Corps was launched by President Franklin D Roosevelt, April 5, 1933. As a lifeline for undernourished sons of the Great Depression. It was a move to alleviate distress caused by unemployment through the establishment of a chain of camps, where young men would work on soil erosion on farms, forest and park conservation projects.

Each company consisted of about 200 young men who were housed in tents and barracks under the management of Army personnel. They were paid $30 per month of which $25 was sent home. CCC labor played a major part in the establishment of the Tennessee State Park system. CCC boys did extensive work in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Shiloh and Chickamauga National Military Parks. Hundreds of civilians were helped along the Mississippi and Ohio rivers by the CCC during the violent flood in 1937. The corps lasted until America entered World War II. President Roosevelt called the Corps his 2nd Reserve Army during the first and second years of that war. General George C Marshall credited our early training as a major factor in America's winning that war. Two of the flag raisers on Iwo Jima were former CCC boys. A CCC boy from West Tennessee received the Congressional Medal of Honor while serving with the 99th Infantry Division during the Battle of the Bulge.

The full story of the CCC participation in this war will never be fully known. We hope this monument will promote among Tennesseans and the nation an understanding and appreciation for what the CCC did for our state and country. If you and future generations see fit to raise voices in song of praise for us... we will consider this our reward. Dedicated April 18, 1998 by the Tennessee Civilian Conservation Alumni to the honor and memory of all Tennesseans who served in the Civilian Conservation Corps, 1933 - 1942.

8 (MILE 1.7)

At Mile 1.7, we enter the Tennessee Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park which commemorates Tennessee's 200 year existence as a state of the Union. A tour of the Mall is a step back in time and provides a wealth of historical information for those with a will and the patience to search.

An unarmed "guard rock" sits stone-faced near the entrance, silently watching the many mall activities.

The Court of 3 Stars, at the Mall's headquarters is a dedication of the Mall to the citizens of the state of Tennessee

The state park headquarters

Spacious walk-ways provide easy access to the many features of the Mall.

A "Path of Volunteers"...

...winds through a row of giant granite obelisks standing guard down the center of the spacious mall.

The CS&X Railroad Bridge, once an ugly blight passing through the area, has been dressed up to be most presentable.

Children enjoy a respite from the heat of the day in some of the many fountains found around the mall.

The Tennessee State Capitol stares at us from its lofty perch looking down on the Bicentennial Mall.

This picture shows the Capital Building about to be eaten by an alien invader.

A virtual forest of stone pillars shout their historical facts about Tennessee to passer-by's.

Tennessee World War II Memorial

The giant Farmers Market occupies a portion of Mall.

A sunken amphitheater is used for small gatherings on the Mall.

9 (MILE 2.5)

After traversing the loop around the Mall, we find that our adventure of steadfast peddling has netted us a total of 2.5 miles of "high octane" scenery, has dropped a few calories, and... whoa... I think I'm about to have a "Big Mack Attack".

Who would have thought... a Hummer-Limousine.

Admit it... Nashville does have some "cool" means of transportation.

And finally... with this famous word of wisdom pounding in our head ... we slowly turn our bicycle around... and head for home.

LANDMARKS in DOWNTOWN AREA


NASHVILLE SKYLINE (1997)	RIVERFRONT LANDING	NASHVILLE TROLLEY

Early pictures from October 1995
Football stadium to be built for 1999 season
City leaders broke ground May 3, 1997

ADELPHIA COLISEUM (During Construction)

Lardner Clark came from Philadelphia in the early 1780's with ten horses packed with piece goods, needles and pins. He established Nashville's first dry goods store by 1786, on a site 30 yards east. The building, which served as store, tavern and dwelling, faced south and was known as "the house with a piazza." 222 2nd Avenue

WASHINGTON SQUARE BUILDING (Site of First Store)

134 Second Ave N
Original microbrewery and restaurant
Sold under brand name of Market Street Beer and Ale
Gift Shops
Tours with tasting available
Free

MARKET STREET MINI-BREWERY

106 First Ave S
Docked at Riverfront Park on Cumberland River
Daily sightseeing cruises 1 1/2 hours long
Late night cruise
Admission charged

Located at Riverfront Park, First and Broadway
Restored from the 1940's and 50's decades
Four course dinner
2 1/2 hour train ride
Live entertainment in lounge cars
Reservations required
Admission charged

MUSIC CITY QUEEN & BELL CAROL RIVERBOATS

BROADWAY DINNER TRAIN