Nashville has played a prominent role in shaping not only the history of Tennessee and the South, but the entire nation. As home to two of the state's three U.S. presidents, Middle Tennessee offers insight into a bygone era when the nation was still young and struggling. From the graceful architecture and opulent antiques of well-preserved area homes to the colorful characters that peopled those residences, Nashville helps bring history to life.

Historic Home Tours
Belle Meade Plantation: A renowned thoroughbred horse farm, the bloodlines of some of today's most famous horses trace their lineage back to Belle Meade. (West Nashville)

Belmont Mansion: Ornate home to the always-intriguing Adelicia Acklen, who has long been rumored to be one of the real-life inspirations for Scarlett O'Hara. (Midtown/Vanderbilt Area)

Fort Nashborough: A replica of the first settlement where Nashville's pioneer families lived until Indian attacks ended in 1792. Among the early inhabitants was little Rachel Donelson who would later become Mrs. Andrew Jackson. (Downtown)

The Hermitage: Home of President Andrew Jackson: The extensive grounds include the seventh president's own home plus Tulip Grove (home to Rachel's nephew), lavish gardens, family grave site, slave quarters and outbuildings, church, an education center and museum. (Eastern edge of Nashville)

Historic Carnton Plantation: This elegant home was turned into a field hospital during the Battle of Franklin. (Near downtown Franklin)

Historic Mansker's Station: The Mansker's Fort and Bowen Plantation represent the transition settlers made from fort living to estate life. (Goodlettsville on the northern edge of Nashville)

James K. Polk Home: Home to the nation's 11th president. (Columbia, Tennessee)

Nashville Ghost Tours: Explore the haunted history of Music City during this downtown walking tour.

Travellers Rest Plantation & Museum: Home to Judge John Overton, who was Andrew Jackson's friend, law partner and political advisor. This is the city's oldest house museum open to the public. (South Nashville)

Other Historic Attractions and Sites
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
Civil Rights Room at the Nashville Public Library
Fort Negley
Military History Branch of the Tennessee State Museum
Downtown Walking Tour
The Parthenon
Tennessee State Capitol
Tennessee State Museum