Founded as Fort Nashborough in 1779, Nashville, Tennessee is rich with both cultural and American history. From the disappearance of the early Native Americans that first settled the area to the Civil War and the star-studded music culture, history buffs traveling to the area will find many significant sites located close to the city.
One travel tip is to make sure to plan ahead as there are guided tours of historical sites offered on specific days and times.
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Here are six places to visit for history buffs on vacation:
1.
Tennessee State Museum: In 8,000 BC, the first Native Americans populated the geography of what is now Nashville. Later, around 1200 AD, large native American villages of the Mississippian culture covered the area. By 1450 AD and without explanation, these native American villages disappeared and the land became a hunting area. In addition to many other exhibits, the Tennessee State Museum features Native American "artifacts from the Paleolithic, Archaic, Woodland, and Mississippian periods."
2.
The Hermitage, Home of President Andrew Jackson: From orphan to General and then seventh president of the Unites States, Andrew "Tough as Old Hickory" Jackson has a long and fascinating history. The home of Jackson, known as "the people's president," is a must-see for history buffs vacationing in Nashville.
3.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: Nashville is known as Music City USA and this venue serves to "identify and preserve the evolving history and traditions of country music and to educate its audiences." The museum's core exhibit immerses visitors in "the history and sounds of country music, its origins and traditions, and the stories and voices of many of its honored architects." In addition, the museum has a 776-seat CMA theater featuring live acts and Nashville's oldest recording studio where such legendary artists as Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton recorded their albums.
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4.
Fort Negley: This historic Civil War site is a great way to learn about the history of the Battle of Nashville. "It is a place to learn that we are a part of history and not apart from it. The visitor's center is a resource for exploring the delicate relationship between Nashville and the Federal Government during the Civil War and learning about the site's relevance in the 20th century and beyond."
5.
Belle Meade Plantation: Called "The Queen of Tennessee Plantations," this historically rich site "has stood witness to centuries of human history." With a storied history that includes early Native America tribes, hunting, the Civil War, and horse breeding, the land of the plantation changed from over 5,000 acres to only 35 and the site is considered one of the top places to visit in Nashville. One travel tip is to check the site for any upcoming events and tour information.
6.
Historic RCA Studio B:
According to Nashville Music City, "Affectionately called the 'Home of a Thousand Hits,' RCA Studio B is one of the oldest recording studios in town. Made famous when Elvis Presley recorded more than 250 hits there, the studio opened in 1957 and remained open until the day after Elvis died in 1977." http://www.visitmusiccity.com/media/presskit/KitHistory
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