Middle Tennessee has plenty of history, ranging from the first settlers West of the Appalachians to countless battles of the Civil War to the breakthroughs of the Civil Rights movement. And with so many towns in the area that have been around for so long, there are so many Main Streets that have history packed on to every block. These 7 Main Streets near Nashville are just a few of the many historic spots around the region. Here’s why you need to visit them for yourself as soon as possible.
- Columbia
City of Columbia, TN - Facebook Did you known Columbia is the “Antebellum homes capital of the world?” They have more pre-war homes in the county than any other town in the country. One of those is a home that was once owned by President James K. Polk!
- Leiper’s Fork
Derek Bruff - Flickr Leiper’s Fork is a tiny, unincorporated town just outside of Franklin, but it’s one of the most picturesque towns in the country. The historic Natchez Trace Parkway travels by just outside the town.
- Franklin
Visit Franklin, TN - Facebook Franklin was home to a Civil War battle, and many homes in the downtown area served roles in the battle and its aftermath. Many were used as hospitals. Main Street is also home to one of Tennessee’s most iconic historic theaters. The Franklin Theatre has been around since 1937.
- Dickson
The Dickson Herald - Facebook Downtown Dickson is home to the Historic Halbrook Hotel, which faces the railroad that was built by Civil War soldiers. Former Tennessee Governor Frank Clement was actually born in that hotel!
- Gallatin
Gallatin Tennessee Chamber of Commerce - Facebook Gallatin is located about 45 minutes Northeast of Nashville and has some of the best shops around on its Main Street. The whole downtown area is on the National Register of Historic Places!
- Murfreesboro
Main Street Murfreesboro/Rutherford Inc. - Facebook Did you know Murfreesboro was once the capital of Tennessee? It held the title from 1818 to 1826 due to its central location in the State. Since then, the city has been the seat of Rutherford County, and there’s history everywhere you look. Be sure to head downtown to see what’s going on!
- Watertown
Ichabod/Wikipedia Watertown is exactly what you expect and want out of a small town. The square is home to all kinds of shops and an old-school soda shop that serves up some of the best ice cream you’ve ever had.
Looking for more charm? Check out the tiniest burger joint Nashville has to offer.
City of Columbia, TN - Facebook
Did you known Columbia is the “Antebellum homes capital of the world?” They have more pre-war homes in the county than any other town in the country. One of those is a home that was once owned by President James K. Polk!
Derek Bruff - Flickr
Leiper’s Fork is a tiny, unincorporated town just outside of Franklin, but it’s one of the most picturesque towns in the country. The historic Natchez Trace Parkway travels by just outside the town.
Visit Franklin, TN - Facebook
Franklin was home to a Civil War battle, and many homes in the downtown area served roles in the battle and its aftermath. Many were used as hospitals. Main Street is also home to one of Tennessee’s most iconic historic theaters. The Franklin Theatre has been around since 1937.
The Dickson Herald - Facebook
Downtown Dickson is home to the Historic Halbrook Hotel, which faces the railroad that was built by Civil War soldiers. Former Tennessee Governor Frank Clement was actually born in that hotel!
Gallatin Tennessee Chamber of Commerce - Facebook
Gallatin is located about 45 minutes Northeast of Nashville and has some of the best shops around on its Main Street. The whole downtown area is on the National Register of Historic Places!
Main Street Murfreesboro/Rutherford Inc. - Facebook
Did you know Murfreesboro was once the capital of Tennessee? It held the title from 1818 to 1826 due to its central location in the State. Since then, the city has been the seat of Rutherford County, and there’s history everywhere you look. Be sure to head downtown to see what’s going on!
Ichabod/Wikipedia
Watertown is exactly what you expect and want out of a small town. The square is home to all kinds of shops and an old-school soda shop that serves up some of the best ice cream you’ve ever had.
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