City Cemetery

You’ve entered what is the oldest public cemetery in Nashville that is still in use. Purchased by the city on March 9, 1820, the cemetery originally encompassed four acres. Within fourteen years the cemetery quickly outgrew its boundaries, and more land was purchased. The more than 20,000 interments that have taken place since the cemetery’s opening include some of Nashville’s most influential residents, including many enslaved and free persons of color that were buried here before, during, and after the Civil War.

Some of Nashville’s first white settlers, James and Charlotte Robertson, John and Ann Cockrill, and Henry and Septima Rutledge are buried here. You will also find headstones for several Revolutionary War veterans, four Confederate generals, one governor, fifteen Nashville mayors, and two of Fisk’s original Jubilee Singers. As you walk these hallowed grounds, check out the interpretative signage to learn more. The City Cemetery is still active, and still open to new burials.

Before you leave, find the grave of William Driver—a former sea captain who is credited with nicknaming the American flag “Old Glory.” After the death of his wife, William moved to Nashville with his three children. Every holiday, he displayed his “Old Glory” flag outside of his house by a rope extending from an upstairs room to a tree across the street. During the Civil War Driver remained loyal to the Union and sewed “Old Glory” into a quilt for safekeeping. When the Union army gained control of Nashville in 1862, William Driver went to General Nelson and gave him his "Old Glory" flag. Meanwhile, Driver’s two sons served in the Confederate Army, one dying at Perryville in 1862. Driver’s flag is now on permanent display at the Smithsonian Museum of American History.

The City Cemetery is open each day from dawn to dusk. We also recommend stopping by the historic Mount Olivet Cemetery, where you can find more Civil War-era burials. Mt. Olivet is 2.5 miles south of the City Cemetery on Lebanon Pike.

From Fourth Avenue, continue south for one mile until the road becomes Nolensville Pike. Continue another half mile then turn LEFT onto Polk Avenue. After crossing the railroad tracks turn LEFT onto Fiberglass Road and find parking. The historical marker is located on this side of the road. Use caution if you choose to cross the street to see the remnants of the lunette.