Ft. Nashborough (Cumberland River, T.M. Brennan Foundry)

The Cumberland River has been central to Nashville’s history since its founding in 1779. As the city’s main water thoroughfare during the Civil War, the Cumberland was vital to the transportation of troops and supplies to and from Nashville. One block south of here, at the corner of First and Broadway, stood the T.M. Brennan Foundry. Following Tennessee’s secession, Brennan shifted production from ornamental iron works to ammunition and cannon tubes, three of which can be found at the Tennessee State Museum. The foundry’s operation as a military supplier was short-lived, as Nashville changed hands after only nine months as a Confederate city.

It was on the bank opposite from where you’re now standing that Union forces gathered beginning on February 23, 1862. In the weeks prior, Fort Henry on the Tennessee River and Fort Donelson on the Cumberland had fallen to Federal troops. This left nothing between Union forces and Nashville, and General Johnston announced that the Confederate Army would not defend the city. A “Great Panic” ensued, prompting secessionist Gov. Isham Harris and the state legislature to flee to Memphis. On February 19, Confederates burned both the railroad bridge and the 700-ft suspension bridge connecting Nashville to the small town of Edgefield. Led by the ironclad U.S.S. Cairo, a flotilla carrying 10,000 Union troops arrived on February 25. That same day, Nashville Mayor R.B. Cheatham took a boat across the river to Edgefield to surrender the city, which began the Union’s occupation of the state capitol that continued until the end of the war in 1865.

Nashville’s position on the Cumberland made it a strategic center for the Union Army’s transport of munitions and supplies to Union lines throughout the region. By mid-1863, the city was the main supplier of the Western Theatre. If you are interested in learning more, there are two historic markers about the surrender of Nashville. One is on the east bank of the river, and the other is in East Park, across from the house where the surrender was signed. For information about the Cumberland River with regards to African-American history, please visit our Early Black Life and Culture Tour. Ft. Nashborough is a stop on several additional Nashville Sites’ tours, so also be sure to check out our full list of tours.

Continue north, up the hill, along the Cumberland with the river on your right. When you reach the intersection of First Avenue and Church Street, turn LEFT on Church Street. Turn RIGHT on Second Avenue and you will find the next stop on your right.