Historical Nashville
Thru The Years

This page is a living, breathing and ever growing list of the history of Nashville.

Historical Nashville

1769
January 1
‘First citizen of Nashville, French-Canadian fur trader Timothy Demonbreun begins visits to Nashville.
‘First citizen of Nashville, French-Canadian fur trader Timothy Demonbreun begins visits to Nashville.
1779
December 24
Pioneers from North Carolina arrive in Nashville on Christmas Eve. They establish Fort Nashborough.
1784
January 1
Nashborough was changed to ‘Nashville’. Probably to remove associations with Britain.
1796
June 1
Tennessee becomes 16th state
Tennessee becomes 16th state
1804
July 5
Andrew Jackson purchases 425 acres of what will eventually be called ‘The Hermitage’.
Andrew Jackson purchases 425 acres of what will eventually be called ‘The Hermitage’.
1843
October 7
Tennessee Legislature Declares Nashville as the State Capital
1861
June 7
Tennessee Becomes the Last State to Secede From The Union and Join The Confederacy
1862
February 1
Union General Don Carlos Buell Leads Union Troops into Nashville. They will remain there until the end of the war.
Union General Don Carlos Buell Leads Union Troops into Nashville. They will remain there until the end of the war.
1865
April 15
Abraham Lincoln Dies
Abraham Lincoln Dies
May 1
Civil War Ends!
1897
June 1
Tennessee Centennial Begins
Tennessee Centennial Begins
1912
January 1
Goo Goo Clusters introduced
Goo Goo Clusters introduced
1925
November 28
WSM Barn Dance debuts. Would become known as ‘The Grand Ole Opry’
WSM Barn Dance debuts. Would become known as ‘The Grand Ole Opry’
1927
December 10
George D. Hay first calls the ‘WSM Barn Dance’ as ‘The Grand Ole Opry’
George D. Hay first calls the ‘WSM Barn Dance’ as ‘The Grand Ole Opry’
1943
June 5
Grand Ole Opry holds first show at Ryman Auditorium. Admission is charged for the first time. 25 cents.
Grand Ole Opry holds first show at Ryman Auditorium. Admission is charged for the first time. 25 cents.