The Passport to Tennessee History on Capitol Hill and Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park encourages you to visit four state history locations, all within walking distance near downtown Nashville: The Tennessee State Capitol, Tennessee State Museum, Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park and Tennessee State Library & Archives. Pick up a free Passport to History at either location, and then get your booklet stamped at all four locations to complete your Tennessee history journey. If you can’t do it in one day, hold on to it for your next visit. Be sure to collect all four!
Tennessee State Capitol
600 Dr. Martin L King, Jr. Blvd., Nashville, TN 37243
615.360.4326
The Tennessee State Capitol, one of the oldest working capitols in the United States, stands today much as it did when it first opened in 1859, and is a magnificent tribute to the people of Tennessee. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and named a National Historic Landmark in 1971. It serves as home of the Tennessee General Assembly and houses the governor’s office.
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
600 James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, TN 37243
615.741.5280
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park recognizes 225 years of Tennessee Statehood as a 19-acre greenspace in downtown Nashville. The park offers spectacular views of the historic 1859 Tennessee State Capitol building. Visitors of all ages can stroll the grounds and visit many attractions which include Tennessee’s WWII Memorial, Tennessee Map Plaza, Fountains of Tennessee, Wall of History, and a 95-Bell Carillion in the Court of Three Stars. Bicentennial Mall hosts many of Nashville’s major events each year and is a fun, safe, and peaceful place to enjoy while visiting Nashville.
Tennessee State Museum
1000 Rosa L. Parks Blvd., Nashville, TN 37208
615.241.2692
The Tennessee State Museum is your home for Tennessee history, art, and culture. Visitors can explore exhibitions on Tennessee’s geological beginnings and First Peoples; statehood and impact on the nation; pivotal role in the Civil War and Reconstruction; service in world conflicts; place in national social movements; and more. It’s an adventure through art and artifacts, films, interactive displays, and events, encompassing thousands of years of history.
Tennessee State Library & Archives
1001 Rep. John Lewis Way N., Nashville, TN 37219
615.741.2764
Experience Tennessee’s story through interactive exhibits highlighting the state’s most precious historical documents. The Tennessee State Library & Archives, a division of the Department of State, collects and preserves books, records and other documents of historical and reference value, focusing on items about Tennessee and Tennesseans.
For the most up-to-date hours and information, please contact Passport to Tennessee History directly.
