Nashville

Nashville is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Tennessee. The city is the county seat of Davidson County and is located on the Cumberland River. It is the 23rd most-populous city in the United States.

Named for Francis Nash, a general during the American Revolutionary War, Nashville was founded in 1779. The city quickly grew because of its strategic location as a port on the Cumberland River and a railroad center. Nashville seceded with Tennessee during the American Civil War and in 1862 became the first state capital to fall to Union troops.

Nashville is a center for the music, healthcare, publishing, banking and transportation industries, and is home to numerous colleges and universities such as Vanderbilt University and Tennessee State University.

History

The town of Nashville was founded by James Robertson, John Donelson, and a party of Overmountain Men in 1779, near the original Cumberland settlement of Fort Nashborough. It was named for Francis Nash, the American Revolutionary War hero. Nashville quickly grew because of its strategic location, accessibility as a river port, and its later status as a major railroad center.

Geography

Nashville lies on the Cumberland River in the northwestern portion of the Nashville Basin. Nashville's topography ranges from low-lying flood plains and rolling hills to high ridges and steep mountain slopes.

Economy

Nashville's economy is driven by health care, music, and education. The city is a hub for the health care industry, with companies like HCA Healthcare and Vanderbilt University Medical Center having a significant presence. Nashville's music industry is centered around Music Row, where many music recording studios are located.

Culture

Known as "Music City", Nashville has a vibrant music and entertainment scene spanning a variety of genres. The Grand Ole Opry, one of the longest-running radio shows in history, is broadcast live in Nashville. The city hosts numerous music festivals throughout the year.

Education

Nashville is home to several colleges and universities, including Vanderbilt University, Tennessee State University, Belmont University, and Fisk University. The city's public schools are operated by Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools.

Transportation

Nashville is served by Nashville International Airport, Interstate 40, Interstate 65, and Interstate 24. Public transportation is provided by the Metropolitan Transit Authority.

See also

• Music of Nashville
• List of people from Nashville, Tennessee
• List of mayors of Nashville, Tennessee