Get a road of this history

25 historic street names in Nashville

A view of downtown Nashville from the roadway level.

Word on the street is, Nashville is full of history. | Photo by @tony_sarria

The city of Nashville was incorporated in 1806 and later named as the capital 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.

Downtown

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.

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 travel on horses down a once gravel Granny White Pike. — People traveling by horse on a graveled Granny White Pike in 1939. | Photo courtesy Tennessee State Library & Archives

West Nashville

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 widower with two children who purchased 50 acres of land and ran a well-known tavern praised for its food, comfortable beds, and brandy.

North Nashville

Dr. Walter S. David Boulevard — The road surrounding Tennessee State University was named after TSU president (1943-1968) Dr. Walter S. David. Under his leadership, the 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.

9 MORE HISTORIC STREETS

You have the opportunity to name a street in our city. What do you name the street after?

A. A loved one
B. My pet
C. My favorite athlete
D. Someone who’s made an impact in the community
E. Me, duh
F. Other

YOU'RE IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT

Click here to have your event featured.

Today, Feb. 28

Nashville Predators vs. Pittsburgh Penguins | Tuesday, Feb. 28 | 7 p.m. | Bridgestone Arena, 501 Broadway, Nashville | $20+ | Cheer on the Preds on home ice.

Wednesday, March 1

Drusie & Darr One Year Anniversary Celebration | Wednesday, March 1-Friday, March 3 | Drusie & Darr, 231 6th Ave. N. | Cost of purchase | Join chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten to celebrate the restaurant’s first year with signature dishes and a preview of the new spring menu.

Thursday, March 2

Celebrate Read Across America Day with Imagination Library | Thursday, March 2 | 3:30 p.m. | The Getalong, 700A Fatherland St. | Free | Amelia’s Flower Truck owner and author Mattie Bush-Martin will read “Amelia and the Old New Truck.”
The Bob Pinson Recorded Sound Collection at Age Fifty | Thursday, March 2 | 3-5:15 p.m. | Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, 222 Rep. John Lewis Way S. | Cost of admission | Attend this panel discussion and listening session to learn more about the acquisition of Pinson’s collection 50 years ago.

Friday, March 3

Laser Show: Dark Side of the Moon 50th Edition | Friday, March 3 | 8:15 p.m. | Adventure Science Center, 800 Fort Negley Blvd. | $11 | Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Pink Floyd’s iconic album with a new laser show experience.
August Wilson’s Fences | Friday, March 3-Sunday, March 5 | Times vary | TPAC’s James K. Polk Theater, 505 Deaderick St. | $50+ | Fences is a lyrical, heartbreaking love song sung in August Wilson’s unparalleled poetry, about people whose hearts beat vast and deep.*

Saturday, March 4

Scout Cookie and Wine Pairing | Saturday, March 4 | 3 p.m. | City Winery, 609 Lafayette St. | $40 | Enjoy your favorite cookies alongside a flight of wines.
Bad Bunny vs. Rauw Alejandro Dance Party | Saturday, March 4 | 9 p.m. | The Basement East, 917 Woodland St. | $20 | You’ll be on your feet all night at this dance party.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

73º | Sunny | 6% chance of rain

Open

Streetcar Taps & Garden, serving a German and Southern-inspired menu, opened last week in West Nashville next to Rhino Booksellers — 4916 Charlotte Ave. Streetcar’s name nods to the location’s past as a stop on the Charlotte streetcar line. 🚎 (Nashville Scene)

Festival

FanDual’s “Bracket City Live,” a three-day March Madness music festival planned for downtown, is canceled. The free event — which was originally set for March 16-18 — promised two outdoor stages, sports betting, and viewing parties. (The Tennessean)

Travel

The Nashville International Airport is projecting higher-than-usual passenger numbers this spring break season (March 5-31) — with the busiest period being March 12-19. The airport encourages travelers to arrive two hours early for departure, check your status, and know your parking options. ✈️

Concert

The Doobie Brothers will bring their “50th Anniversary” tour to FirstBank Amphitheater on Thursday, Aug. 31. Tickets go on sale Thursday, March 2 at 10 a.m.
No “Bad Days” here. The Flaming Lips will take over the Ryman Auditorium on Thursday, May 11 performing “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots.” The Teskey Brothers will also perform their “The Winding Way” tour at the venue on Friday, Aug. 25. Tickets for both shows go on sale Friday, March 3. 🎟️
Hip-hop icons Wu-Tang Clan and Nas are set to take the stage at Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Sept. 20 for their “N.Y. State of Mind” tour. Tickets go on sale Friday, March 3 at 9 a.m.

Arts

Are you a designer and Nashville SC fan? The Arts & Business Council of Greater Nashville and Nashville SC are accepting artist applications for a limited-edition matchday poster that will be sold this season. Selected artists will be compensated and receive match tickets. Apply before the Wednesday, March 1 deadline.

Kids

DinoTrek returns to the Nashville Zoo Friday, March 10-Sunday, July 30. The activation includes 20 life-size animatronic dinosaurs with educational signage throughout. Admission tickets can be purchased at the Zoo’s Entry Village for $4 a person. 🦕

Read

Mignon François, founder of The Cupcake Collection, is set to release her memoir this spring. “Made from Scratch: Finding Success Without a Recipe” will hit shelves on Tuesday, May 9. Pre-order the book now.

Eat

Keep meaning to try new restaurants but find yourself back at your regular haunts? Offline can help you explore Nashville — pink cowgirl hats not included — by matching you with new local restaurants. Members get up to $50 monthly towards their dining out budget. Sign up for one of the 100 spots saved for NASHtoday readers with the code NASHTODAY.*

Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.

Let’s get fiscal

Filing your taxes in Nashville, TN

Don’t let tax season be a stressor — these resources can help. | Photo via Unsplash

For better or worse, it’s that time of year again — tax season. Before you stress, we’re here to share some guidance for filing.

First and foremost, see the IRS’s list of up-to-date tax tips. It covers frequently asked questions like understanding business travel deductions and how military members and their families can receive help with their taxes at no cost.

Nashville is also home to these local tax resources:

Free tax prepping resources are available with the United Way of Greater Nashville.
See Nashville Public Library’s tax filing resources.
The IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax assistance for those who qualify.

Ready to get started filing your taxes? File online with H&R Block’s four different filing options, from free to Premium. Or, file with a tax pro’s help. Don’t forget, the last day to file your taxes is Tuesday, April 18.*

GET FILING

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Skylar.

Editor’s pick: It’s almost patio and take-your-dog everywhere season. Where are some of your favorite places to stop with your pup in Nashville? Let us know — you could be featured in a future newsletter. 🐶

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Keep your heart health in check with these tips.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Dylan Aycock, Skylar Webb, Josh Kranzberg, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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