The city of Nashville was incorporated in 1806 and later named as the capital of the State of Tennessee in 1843. Now that 200+ years have passed, the city and its streets are chock-full of vibrant history.
It’s safe to say that over the years, the city has been touched by countless historical figures and happenings — many of which have shaped the names of Music City’s buildings, parks, and streets. In this guide, we’re delving into the history of Nashville’s streets — specifically how they were named.
The inaugural run of Nashville’s first electric streetcar at 16th Avenue and Broad Street in 1889.
Photo courtesy Tennessee State Library & Archives
Downtown
Nashville’s entertainment district is filled with honky tonks, historical properties, and is almost entirely made up of local businesses (77%) — making it a top destination for tourists and locals alike.
Broadway — Originally named Broad Street and one of the first streets in the city, this major roadway was one of just three running east to west on Nashville’s original plat map. The width of the street allowed goods to be transported via the Cumberland River through the middle of town to their destinations.
James Robertson Parkway — Named after the “father of Middle Tennessee,” James Robertson is known for his claim to the land in which downtown’s Fort Nashborough was built on December 25, 1779.
Rep. John Lewis Way — Formerly portions of 5th Avenue North, Metro Council voted to rename the street after civil rights leader and congressman John Lewis in 2020. Lewis played a key role in organizing sit-ins at Nashville’s segregated lunch counters.
Church Street — This street was originally named Spring Street after the “first only spring on high ground south of the Public Square.” Many churches later lined the street, and people started informally calling it Church Street before the name was officially changed.
Demonbreun Street — Named for Timothy Demonbreun, a French-Canadian fur trader who first traveled to the area in 1769. He is known as Nashville’s “First Citizen” and his monument sculpted by Alan LeQuire overlooks the Cumberland River near Fort Nashborough.
People traveling by horse on a graveled Granny White Pike in 1939.
Photo courtesy Tennessee State Library & Archives
West Nashville
Boasting community-centric neighborhoods each with their own character, West Nashville is a destination for outdoor adventure and is filled with modern restaurants and shops.
Old Hickory Boulevard — This road connects to multiple Nashville interstates, creating an incomplete loop around the city. It was named for President Andrew Jackson, who was coined “Old Hickory” by his men.
Charlotte Pike — Charlotte Road was named for the wife of James Robertson, Charlotte Reeves Robertson. The city began renaming portions of roadways — Charlotte Avenue and then on to Charlotte Pike — in order to “provide continuity with the Charlotte road name.”
White Bridge Pike — This roadway was named in reference to a white concrete bridge built across the railroad tracks and Richland Creek . It is now used by pedestrians walking the Richland Creek Greenway.
Briley Parkway — Named after Metro Nashville’s first mayor, Beverly Briley. He was born in West Nashville and attended Vanderbilt and Cumberland Law School. Briley also served in the US Navy during WWll.
Granny White Pike — Named for Lucinda White, a widow with two children who purchased 50 acres of land and ran a well-known tavern praised for its food, comfortable beds, and brandy.
An aerial view of North Nashville overlooking Gay Street and the Jefferson Street area.
Photo courtesy Tennessee State Library & Archives
North Nashville
This area is known for its vibrant dining and arts options, as well as rich history of streets, buildings, and universities. Long before Broadway’s running list of entertainment venues, North Nashville was recognized for its music scene.
Dr. Walter S. Davis Boulevard — The road surrounding Tennessee State University was named after TSU president (1943-1968) Dr. Walter S. Davis. Under his leadership, Tennessee Agricultural and Industrial State College achieved university status, 24 new buildings were added, and the athletics program flourished.
Ed Temple Boulevard — This street is named for TSU track and field coach Edward S. Temple. He coached the women’s program for over 40 years, leading 40+ athletes to the Olympics and assisting with over 30 national titles.
Jefferson Street — Named for President Thomas Jefferson, this street connects Nashville’s three HBCUs and was a center for organizing protests and Nashville’s sit-ins. For decades, the street’s venues supported rock ‘n’ roll and blues music via artists like Jimi Hendrix, Etta James, Ray Charles, and more.
Rosa L. Parks Boulevard — In 2007, the Tennessee General Assembly renamed the majority of 8th Avenue in honor of Rosa L. Parks as part of its practice to name “certain highways and bridges in honor of those exemplary public servants.”
Buena Vista Pike — The Buena Vista neighborhood is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 and the Spanish name translates to “good view.”
