Tennessee State Capitol Grounds | Nashville

The Tennessee State Capitol Grounds in downtown Nashville are among the most historically significant and architecturally distinctive civic landscapes in the United States. Located atop Capitol Hill, the grounds envelop the iconic Tennessee State Capitol building and serve not only as a seat of government but as a commemorative and symbolic space reflecting Tennessee’s cultural and political legacy.

Location and Layout

The grounds occupy several acres on a prominent hilltop in central Nashville, bordered by Charlotte Avenue to the south and the Bicentennial Capitol Mall to the north. The elevated location gives the capitol and its surrounding grounds a commanding view over the city, reinforcing its symbolic role as the center of state government.

The layout of the grounds features formal landscaping with tree-lined walkways, historic monuments, statues, gardens, terraced slopes, and lawns that frame the capitol on all sides. Limestone retaining walls and a wide, curving staircase highlight the elevation changes, with green lawns and seasonal flowerbeds accentuating its monumental presence.

Design and Historical Origins

The Tennessee State Capitol was designed by William Strickland, a prominent Philadelphia architect, in the Greek Revival style, and construction began in 1845. Strickland took meticulous control of the architectural and landscaping details. He insisted the building be oriented to maximize the grandeur of its placement atop Cedar Knob, a limestone bluff later landscaped into Capitol Hill.

Strickland himself was so invested in the project that, upon his death in 1854, he was buried within the north wall of the Capitol-a highly unusual but symbolic gesture. His burial crypt remains within the structure.

The Capitol building was completed in 1859, and landscaping of the surrounding grounds began shortly thereafter, continuing through the post-Civil War period. Landscape architect William Pritchard, along with John Bogart, crafted a naturalistic plan integrating walkways, terraces, and native plantings, such as magnolias and oak trees, balanced by classical statues and fountains.

Monuments and Memorials on the Grounds

The Capitol Grounds serve as a civic memorial park, with numerous monuments and statues scattered throughout the area. These features pay homage to significant figures and events in Tennessee’s history:

President James K. Polk Tomb: Located in the East Garden of the grounds, this monument contains the remains of the 11th U.S. President, a Tennessee native, and his wife, Sarah Childress Polk. The tomb features a neoclassical design with Doric columns.

Andrew Jackson Equestrian Statue: On the north side of the building stands a bronze statue of the 7th U.S. President, hero of the Battle of New Orleans, and founder of the Democratic Party. The statue is mounted atop a limestone base and flanked by decorative fountains.

Sam Davis Monument: Commemorates the young Confederate scout executed by Union forces in 1863. The statue depicts Davis standing solemnly and serves as a symbol of Southern valor and sacrifice.

Andrew Johnson Statue: Honors the 17th President of the United States, a Tennessean who assumed the presidency after Lincoln’s assassination. The statue was added in the early 20th century and stands on the western lawn.

Sgt. Alvin C. York Memorial: Celebrates one of America’s most decorated World War I soldiers, born in rural Tennessee, known for leading an attack on a German machine gun nest during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.

Confederate Women’s Monument: Erected in 1926 to honor the women who supported the Confederate cause during the Civil War. The marble statue depicts a standing woman with children and is inscribed with poetic text.

Veterans Memorials: There are smaller markers and plaques throughout the grounds recognizing veterans of various American conflicts, including both World Wars and the Vietnam War.

Base of Edward Carmack Statue: Though the statue was toppled during 2020 protests, its base remains on site, representing evolving discussions about public memory and historical legacy.

Architectural and Landscape Features

Horseshoe Staircase: A prominent curved stairway made of limestone leads up the north slope, originally designed for both practical access and visual grandeur. It is often used by local residents for exercise.

Flag Circle: Near the summit of the hill, a circle of flagpoles displays the Tennessee state flag and the national flag, symbolizing unity and governance.

Seasonal Gardens and Trees: The landscaping incorporates native species such as maples, dogwoods, and redbuds. Flowerbeds are arranged seasonally, often in geometric or star-shaped patterns referencing the state’s flag.

Limestone Terraces and Retaining Walls: These structural elements enhance the sense of monumentality and create formal outdoor rooms that host ceremonies and public events.

Lighting and Security Features: At night, strategic uplighting highlights the architectural lines of the Capitol and the statues, while discreet security systems maintain the safety of the grounds.

Bicentennial Capitol Mall Connection

Immediately north of the Capitol Grounds lies Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, a 19-acre green space designed to complement the Capitol and share Tennessee’s historical narrative through a wide array of interpretive installations:

A granite map of the state showing counties, rivers, and landmarks.

A 95-bell carillon representing each county.

A World War II Memorial and a Court of Three Stars, symbolizing the three Grand Divisions of Tennessee.

This park visually and symbolically links the Capitol with the people it represents, forming a broad axis from the Capitol steps to the riverfront.

Current Use and Visitor Information

Public Access: The Capitol Grounds are open to the public daily, though the Capitol building itself is only open on weekdays. Visitors can freely walk the grounds, enjoy picnics, or participate in events such as guided tours and commemorations.

Tourism and Education: School groups, history enthusiasts, and civic organizations frequently visit the site. The grounds are often included in walking tours of Nashville’s historic core.

Events and Ceremonies: The grounds have hosted political rallies, military commemorations, protests, and cultural festivals. Their central location and open space make them a natural venue for civic gatherings.

Views and Photography: From the western and southern terraces, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Nashville’s skyline and the Cumberland River. The architecture and monuments provide excellent photographic opportunities, especially at sunrise or sunset.

The Tennessee State Capitol Grounds function as more than just the ornamental surroundings of a government building-they represent a civic space layered with artistic beauty, democratic history, and public memory. Their classical structure, historic symbolism, and lush plantings create a space that invites reflection, education, and public participation at the very heart of Tennessee’s political life.