NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Tennessee turns 228 years old this weekend.
With June 1 marking Statehood Day, FOX 17 News has compiled a list of some current National Historic Landmarks across the Volunteer State, plus a quick look at their histories.
For a complete list of all National Historic Landmarks in Tennessee, click here.
Beale Street Historic District – Memphis
Beale Street, founded in 1841, became a thriving area for Black commerce and culture during the Civil War. In the 1870s, yellow fever hit Memphis and severely affected the city’s population. As a result, the city had to forfeit its charter in 1879. During this time, formerly enslaved Robert Church acquired land in the area, and his investments helped restore the business community’s confidence in Memphis, which led to the regaining of its charter. Read more from the US Civil Rights Trail here.
William Blount Mansion – Knoxville
In 1792, Blount Mansion was home to U. S. Constitution signer William Blount, appointed by President George Washington to govern the Southwest Territory, which Blount shepherded into admission to the union as our nation’s sixteenth state, Tennessee.
Chucalissa Site – Memphis
The Chucalissa village, located on the bluff overlooking the Mississippi River and founded around 900 A.D., is known for the well-preserved architectural and archaeological remains that have been excavated from the site. Discovered in 1938, the site is one of the least damaged by cultivation and looting, and has been operated by the University of Memphis since 1962. The village functions as an educational site housing a Mississippian mound complex and exhibits that explore the Native American history of the southeastern United States. Chucalissa was also designated a National Historic Landmark on April 19, 1994. Read more from Memphis Heritage here.
Delta Queen River Steamboat – Chattanooga
The legendary vessel and her identical twin, the Delta King, were built in 1926 and entered service on June 2, 1927. At the time, they were the most extravagant river steamboats ever constructed, costing over $1 million each to build and furnish. While in service by the California Transportation Company, the Delta duo carried freight and produce on their main decks while offering luxurious accommodations to passengers commuting between San Francisco and Sacramento each night. The pair continued this way until 1940, when improved highways and rail service forced them out of service. Read more from the riverboat's website here.
Franklin Battlefield – Franklin
Franklin Battlefield was the site of the Second Battle of Franklin, which occurred on November 30, 1864, in the Civil War. It's located along U.S. 31 and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1960.
Graceland – Memphis
Graceland, once owned by Elvis Presley, sits on nearly 14 acres in Memphis' Whitehaven neighborhood. The King of Rock and Roll is buried there, along with his parents. It's become a popular tourist destination and was named a National Historic Landmark in 2006, a first for such a site.
The Hermitage – Nashville
Andrew Jackson purchased this property as a 425-acre farm from his neighbor Nathaniel Hays on July 5, 1804. Called “Rural Retreat,” he eventually used the French term “Hermitage.” Jackson then expanded The Hermitage land into a plantation with one goal in mind: To produce cotton as a money-making enterprise. Read more here.
Hermitage Hotel – Nashville
This historic hotel opened its doors in 1910 and has been a staple of Music City ever since. Named after Andrew Jackson's estate, the Hermitage Hotel was built in the Beaux-arts style, a rare style of architecture in a commercial building in Tennessee.
Jubilee Hall at Fisk University – Nashville
According to the Tennessee Encyclopedia, funds raised by the Jubilee Singers during an 1871-74 international concert tour were used to construct the school's first permanent building, Jubilee Hall. This imposing six-story building, named in honor of the Jubilee Singers, was designed by architect Steven D. Hatch of New York. Construction began in 1873 and was completed in 1876.
Montgomery Bell Tunnel – Kingston Springs
Carved out of limestone using gunpowder and slave labor, the Montgomery Tunnel was the country's first successful water diversion tunnel. It's also known as the “Patterson Forge Tunnel” and was named a National Historic Landmark in 1981.
Old First Presbyterian Church – Nashville
Now known as the Downtown Presbyterian Church, this site became a place of worship in 1813. Its first structure burned down in 1832. After it was rebuilt, another fire destroyed the church in 1848. It was named a National Historic Landmark in the early 1990s and sits at the corner of Rep. John Lewis Way and Church Street.
James K. Polk Home – Columbia
Other than the White House, this is the only surviving residence of James K. Polk. The painted brick structure in Maury County is one of the best examples of Federal-style architecture in Tennessee.
Ryman Auditorium – Nashville
The former home of the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman Auditoriumis a historic 2,362-seat live-performance venue settled in downtown Nashville. It's played a pivotal role in the popularization of country music, but was also named a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Landmark in 2022.
Sun Record Company – Memphis
An independent record label, Sun Record Company was founded in 1952 by producer Sam Phillips. It was the first label to record Elvis Presley, Charlie Rich, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash. Often referred to as the birthplace of Rock and Roll, the Sun Studio building was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2003.
Tennessee State Capitol – Nashville
Tennessee's capitol building was built between 1845 and 1859 and was designed in a Greek Revival style by architect William Strickland. It serves as the home of both houses in the Tennessee General Assembly and was named a National Historic Landmark in 1971.
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