Cunningham and Carter Houses

Now lined with parking lots and office buildings, High Street—now called Sixth Avenue—was once a residential area. Two of the houses on this street belonged to prominent Confederate supporters. Born in 1827, George Cunningham made this house his residence in 1858 on the site of his mother-in-law's gardens. The Italianate house was an ornate display of Cunningham's wealth—accrued as a partner in the hardware wholesaler firm called Fall and Cunningham. 

Cunningham served as a Major in the Confederate Army, working as a Quartermaster. His family went south to be with him during the war, leaving the home vacant. During Federal occupation, Generals Rosecrans, Buell, Grant, Sherman, and Thomas all headquartered in the mansion. It became the Hermitage Club in 1881, when the third floor was added. The home was razed in 1930 for a parking lot.

The more famous Carter House from the Civil War is located in Franklin, Tennessee, and is well worth a visit. The house that once stood here, however, was owned by a different Carter family, though both families were equally loyal to the Confederacy. Daniel D. Carter was born in 1809 in Virginia. His family moved to Montgomery County, Tennessee when he was approximately ten years old. As a young man he moved to Nashville in search of greater opportunity, working in the financial sector, and became a prominent banker in town. By the time of the Civil War, Carter was a well-respected businessman and local leader. He became famous, or perhaps infamous, when he refused to take a Union loyalty oath after federal occupation. As a result, Carter was imprisoned, and Gen. Ulysses S. Grant seized his home, moved in, and used it for his headquarters. The house was demolished in 1913.

Cross to the other side of Sixth Avenue as you turn LEFT onto Union Street. When you reach Seventh Avenue, turn LEFT. The next stop, a historical marker for Polk Place, will be on your right.