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If you’re planning a trip to Tennessee, you won’t want to miss the state’s many must-see historic landmarks. From Civil War battlefields to music studios that launched the careers of some of the biggest names in the industry, Tennessee is rich with history and culture that is sure to captivate visitors of all ages and interests.
One of the most famous must-see historic landmarks in Tennessee is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States. Visitors can hike, bike, or drive through the park, taking in the breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys.
The park is also home to a number of historic sites, including old homesteads, mills, and churches, that offer a glimpse into the lives of the people who once lived in the area.
Another iconic must-see historic landmarks in Tennessee is the Sun Studio in Memphis, which is often referred to as the “birthplace of rock and roll.” This small recording studio is where some of the biggest names in music, including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis, got their start.
Visitors can take a tour of the studio and see the microphone that Elvis used to record his first hit song, “That’s All Right.” Whether you’re a music lover or a history buff, must-see historic landmarks in Tennessee are sure to leave you feeling inspired and awed.
The Hermitage
4580 Rachels Ln, Hermitage, TN
If you’re looking for one of the most iconic must-see historic landmarks in Tennessee, The Hermitage should be on your list. This National Historic Landmark is located in Nashville and was the home of President Andrew Jackson. Here’s what you need to know before you go.
Historical Significance
The Hermitage was built in 1804 and was the home of Andrew Jackson and his wife Rachel. The property was originally a log cabin, but over the years it was expanded and renovated into the beautiful mansion that stands today. The Hermitage was also a working farm, and visitors can still see the original log cabins and outbuildings that were used by the Jackson family and their slaves.
Visitors to The Hermitage can take a guided tour of the mansion and learn about the history of the Jackson family and their impact on American politics. The site also includes a museum with exhibits about Jackson’s life and presidency, as well as a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs.
Visitor Information
The Hermitage is open daily from 9am to 5pm, with the last tour starting at 4pm. Admission to the site is $22 for adults, $20 for seniors, and $15 for children ages 6-12. Children under 6 are free. There are also discounts available for military members, AAA members, and groups of 15 or more.
If you’re planning to visit The Hermitage, be sure to wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved. The site is also wheelchair accessible, and audio tours are available for visitors who are visually impaired. There are several dining options on site, including a cafe and a winery where you can sample local wines.
The Hermitage is without a doubt one of the must-see historic landmarks in Tennessee. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a fun and educational day trip, you won’t be disappointed by a visit to this beautiful and important site.
Graceland
Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, TN
If you are visiting Tennessee, Graceland is a must-see historic landmark. Here is some information about the historical significance and visitor information for Graceland.
Historical Significance
Graceland was the home of Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll. The mansion is located on a 13.8-acre estate in Memphis, Tennessee. The mansion is a testament to Elvis Presley’s impact on the music industry and his influence on American culture.
Graceland was purchased by Elvis Presley in 1957 and he lived there until his death in 1977. The mansion has been preserved as a museum and is open to the public. Visitors can take a tour of the mansion and see how Elvis Presley lived. The tour includes a visit to the Jungle Room, the Trophy Building, and the Meditation Garden where Elvis Presley is buried.
Visitor Information
If you are planning to visit Graceland, here is some information to help you plan your trip.
Location
Graceland is located at 3717 Elvis Presley Boulevard in Memphis, Tennessee. It is only 10 minutes from downtown and 3 minutes from the Memphis Airport.
Hours
Graceland is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Tickets
Tickets for Graceland can be purchased online or at the ticket office. There are several tour options available, including the Mansion Only Tour, the Elvis Experience Tour, and the VIP Tour.
Amenities
There are several amenities available at Graceland, including restaurants, gift shops, and a hotel. The Guest House at Graceland is a 450-room hotel located on the Graceland property. The hotel features a restaurant, a bar, and a swimming pool.
Accessibility
Graceland is accessible to visitors with disabilities. The tour includes an elevator and ramps for wheelchair access. Visitors with disabilities can also request a special tour guide to assist them during their visit.
Graceland is a historic landmark that is a must-see for anyone visiting Tennessee. The mansion is a testament to Elvis Presley’s impact on American culture and the music industry. Visitors can take a tour of the mansion and see how Elvis Presley lived. Graceland is accessible to visitors with disabilities and has several amenities available, including a hotel and restaurants.
Tennessee State Capitol
600 Dr. M.L.K. Jr Blvd, Nashville, TN
The Tennessee State Capitol is a must-see historic landmark in Nashville, Tennessee. It was completed in 1859 and is a magnificent tribute to the people of Tennessee. The Capitol is a National Historic Landmark and is still in use today by the Governor, Senate, and House of Representatives.
Historical Significance
The Tennessee State Capitol has witnessed several historic moments. In 1920, it became the site of the pivotal vote to ratify the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, granting women the right to vote. This made Tennessee the crucial 36th state needed to ratify the amendment.
The Capitol building is modeled after a Greek Ionic temple and is an example of the Greek Revival architecture. The building’s cornerstone was laid in 1845, and it was designed by architect William Strickland. The Capitol’s interior features a stunning spiral staircase made of cast iron and a beautiful dome that rises 206 feet above the ground.
Visitor Information
The Tennessee State Capitol welcomes visitors for guided and self-guided tours. Guided tours are available Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, and on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The tours typically last around 45 minutes and cover the Capitol’s history, architecture, and artwork.
If you prefer a self-guided tour, you can pick up a brochure at the Capitol’s Visitor Center. The Visitor Center is located on the first floor of the Capitol and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm and on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
There is no admission fee for the Tennessee State Capitol, and parking is available nearby. However, you will need to pass through security to enter the building, so plan accordingly. Photography is allowed inside the Capitol, but flash photography is prohibited.
The Tennessee State Capitol is certainly one of the most beautiful must-see historic landmarks in Tennessee. Its historical significance, stunning architecture, and beautiful artwork make it a must-visit for anyone interested in Tennessee’s rich history and culture.
Sun Studio
706 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN
If you’re a music lover, then a visit to Sun Studio is a must. This recording studio, located at 706 Union Avenue in Memphis, Tennessee, is known as the “birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll.” It was opened by rock-and-roll pioneer Sam Phillips on January 3, 1950, and was originally called Memphis Recording Service, sharing the same building with the Sun Records label business.
Historical Significance
Sun Studio is famous for its role in the early years of Elvis Presley’s career. It’s where he recorded his first song, “That’s All Right,” in 1954, and other hits like “Mystery Train” and “Blue Moon of Kentucky.” Sun Studio is also where other legendary musicians like Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, and B.B. King recorded some of their earliest songs.
The studio’s historical significance is recognized by its designation as a National Historic Landmark. It’s a place where you can stand in the same spot where some of the most iconic songs in rock ‘n’ roll history were recorded.
Visitor Information
If you’re planning a visit to Sun Studio, here are some things you should know.
- Hours: Sun Studio is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm.
- Tours: Guided tours of the studio are available every hour on the hour. The tour lasts about 45 minutes and includes a visit to the studio, as well as the museum and gift shop.
- Admission: The cost of admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors (62+), $10 for children (5-11), and free for children under 5.
- Parking: There is a parking lot behind the studio where you can park for free.
- Photography: Photography is allowed during the tour, but flash photography and video recording are not permitted.
- Accessibility: The studio is wheelchair accessible.
A visit to Sun Studio is a must-see for anyone interested in music history. It’s a place where you can learn about the early days of rock ‘n’ roll and experience the magic of a recording studio that helped launch some of the biggest names in music.
Belle Meade Plantation
5025 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN
If you’re looking for a historic landmark that offers a glimpse into Tennessee’s past, Belle Meade Plantation is a must-visit destination. Located in Belle Meade, Tennessee, this historic mansion was built in 1853 and 1854 and is now operated as an attraction, museum, winery, and onsite restaurant.
Together with outbuildings on its 30 acres of property, Belle Meade Plantation provides a unique experience that combines history, hospitality, and outdoor adventure.
Historical Significance
Belle Meade Plantation has a rich history that dates back to the mid-19th century when the plantation encompassed roughly 5,400 acres with over a hundred enslaved persons. Today, visitors can explore the Greek revival-style mansion and learn about the lives of Tennesseans throughout the 1800s.
The mansion features original furnishings and artwork, and the guided tours provide an in-depth look at the history of the plantation and the people who lived and worked there.
In addition to the mansion, Belle Meade Plantation also offers a Civil War tour that covers one of the most strategic battles of the Civil War. Union forces held this important city since… Civil War | Historic Site. Belmont Mansion.
Visitor Information
Belle Meade Plantation is open every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and tickets can be purchased online or at the door. The admission fee includes a guided tour of the mansion and access to the winery and onsite restaurant. Visitors can also enjoy outdoor activities such as horseback riding, carriage tours, and wine tastings.
Belle Meade Plantation is a family-friendly destination that offers something for everyone, whether you’re interested in history, wine, or outdoor adventure.
Here are some quick facts about Belle Meade Plantation.
- Address: 5025 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37205
- Phone: (615) 356-0501
- Admission Fee: $24 for adults, $13 for children (ages 6-12), free for children under 6
- Guided Tours: available daily, every hour on the hour from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Winery: open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, offering wine tastings and tours
- Restaurant: open daily for lunch and dinner, offering a variety of Southern-inspired dishes
Belle Meade Plantation is a must-see destination for anyone interested in Tennessee’s rich history and culture. With its beautiful mansion, winery, and outdoor activities, this historic landmark offers a unique experience not find anywhere else.
Fort Nashborough
170 1st Ave N, Nashville, TN
If you’re interested in the founding history of Nashville, Fort Nashborough is a must-visit landmark. Located close to the bustling Second Avenue and Broadway tourist areas next to Riverfront Park, Fort Nashborough offers a glimpse into the founding of Nashville in 1780 by James Robertson.
Historical Significance
Fort Nashborough is the first permanent Anglo settlement of Nashville, dating back to 1770 when two parties of settlers led by John Donelson and James Robertson, respectively, established a fort enclosing two acres along the banks of the Cumberland River.
On January 1, 1780, James Robertson founded Nashville when he led his group of pioneers across the frozen Cumberland river to a place called The Cedar Bluffs. These men built a fort here called Nashborough, which would shelter the first families until Indian attacks ended in 1792.
Visitor Information
Fort Nashborough is open for self-guided tours daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The location is reported permanently closed on TripAdvisor, so it’s best to check with the official website of the Nashville.gov Parks and Recreation department for the latest updates and information.
When visiting Fort Nashborough, make sure to wear comfortable shoes as the terrain can be uneven. You can also explore the nearby Riverfront Park, which offers scenic views of the Cumberland River and the Nashville skyline.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 170 1st Ave N, Nashville, TN 37201, United States |
| Hours | Self-guided tours daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
| Admission | Free |
| Website | Nashville.gov |
Stax Museum of American Soul Music
926 E McLemore Ave, Memphis, TN
If you’re a fan of American soul music, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music is a must-see attraction on your visit to Memphis, Tennessee.
The museum, the original location of Stax Records, launched and supported the careers of artists such as Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, the Staple Singers, Sam & Dave, Booker T. & the M.G.’s, Rufus Thomas, Carla Thomas, Wilson Pickett, Albert King, William Bell, Eddie Floyd, Jean Knight, Mable John, and many others.
Historical Significance
The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is a 17,000 square-foot museum offering interactive exhibits, videos, vintage musical instruments used to create the Stax sound, stage costumes, photographs, records, and approximately 3,000 other items of memorabilia that tell the unique story, from beginning to present, of American soul music, particularly the Memphis Sound.
The museum also features a replica of the original Stax Records studio, where visitors can experience what it was like to record at Stax and even cut their own record.
Visitor Information
The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is open seven days a week, except for major holidays. The museum’s hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission prices are $15 for adults, $14 for seniors, and $13 for students with a valid ID. Children under the age of 12 are admitted for free. The museum also offers group rates for groups of 20 or more.
The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is located in the heart of Soulsville, USA, a historic neighborhood in Memphis, Tennessee. The museum is easily accessible by car, and parking is available on-site. If you’re using public transportation, the museum is served by the MATA bus system.
The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in the history of American soul music. With its interactive exhibits, vintage musical instruments, and replica of the original Stax Records studio, the museum offers a unique and immersive experience that will appeal to music lovers of all ages.
Final Thoughts On Must-See Historic Landmarks in Tennessee
Now that you have learned about some of the must-see historic landmarks in Tennessee, it’s time to plan your trip and start exploring the state’s rich history. Whether you are interested in Civil War battlefields, presidential homes, or music history, Tennessee has something for everyone.
Remember to plan ahead and check the hours of operation and admission fees for each landmark before you go. Some sites may require advanced reservations or have limited hours, so it’s important to do your research beforehand.
When visiting these historic landmarks, be sure to respect the sites and follow any posted rules or regulations. Many of these sites are protected by law and should be treated with care and reverence.
Tennessee is a state steeped in history and culture, and these landmarks offer a glimpse into the state’s past. Whether you are a history buff or just looking for a fun and educational vacation, Tennessee’s historic landmarks are sure to impress.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some famous historical landmarks in Tennessee?
Tennessee is home to many famous historical landmarks, including the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, the Belle Meade Plantation, and the Hermitage, which was the home of President Andrew Jackson. Other notable landmarks include the Tennessee State Capitol, the Ryman Auditorium, and the Parthenon in Nashville.
What are some free historical sites to visit in Tennessee?
There are many free historical sites to visit in Tennessee, including the Tennessee State Capitol, the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, and the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site. Other free sites include the Shiloh National Military Park, the Stones River National Battlefield, and the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park.
What are some National Historic Sites in Tennessee?
Tennessee is home to several National Historic Sites, including the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, and the Shiloh National Military Park. Other National Historic Sites include the Fort Donelson National Battlefield, the Stones River National Battlefield, and the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park.
What are some Civil War historical sites to visit in Tennessee?
Tennessee played a crucial role in the Civil War, and there are many historical sites to visit, including the Shiloh National Military Park, the Stones River National Battlefield, and the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. Other notable sites include the Fort Donelson National Battlefield, the Battle of Franklin Trust, and the Carter House.
What are some must-see historical sites in East Tennessee?
East Tennessee is home to many must-see historical sites, including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, and the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. Other notable sites include the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, the Museum of East Tennessee History, and the Knoxville Museum of Art.
What is the most famous landmark in Tennessee besides Graceland?
While Graceland is undoubtedly one of the most famous landmarks in Tennessee, there are many other notable sites to visit, including the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the Ryman Auditorium, and the Tennessee State Capitol. Other famous landmarks include the Parthenon in Nashville, the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway, and the Gatlinburg Space Needle.
