The neighborhood called Hell's Half Acre was located in the low-lying area to the north and west of the Tennessee State Capitol. Originating in the Reconstruction Era, the neighborhood was comprised mostly of immigrants and recently freed African Americans. It was known as an overcrowded slum and a red-light district, with high rates of crime and poverty and numerous brothels and saloons. Due to the Acre's location outside of city limits, Nashville authorities had little control of the area. Despite its illicit reputation, the neighborhood was home to a rich African American cultural tradition. It was razed in the 1950s as part of the Capitol Hill Redevelopment Plan, and the residents were forced to move to other parts of the city.
Hell's Half Acre
36.166735, -86.784687
Description
The neighborhood called Hell's Half Acre was located in the low-lying area to the north and west of the Tennessee State Capitol. Originating in the Reconstruction Era, the neighborhood was comprised mostly of immigrants and recently freed African Americans. It was known as an overcrowded slum and a red-light district, with high rates of crime and poverty and numerous brothels and saloons. Due to the Acre's location outside of city limits, Nashville authorities had little control of the area. Despite its illicit reputation, the neighborhood was home to a rich African American cultural tradition. It was razed in the 1950s as part of the Capitol Hill Redevelopment Plan, and the residents were forced to move to other parts of the city.