East End Neighborhood

When you crossed 10th Street, you left Edgefield and entered the East End neighborhood. Called East End due to its location just east of the city limits, the neighborhood has homes dating back to the 1870s. The architectural styles range from Craftsman to Queen Anne to Romanesque. After the completion of the Woodland Street Bridge in 1886 and the addition of an electric streetcar line in 1890, this area was easily accessible from downtown. Greater accessibility led to an increase in population as middle and upper class white families flocked to East End.

This neighborhood has suffered three major tornado disasters. The first was on March 14, 1933, which claimed 11 lives and damaged many homes, schools, churches and businesses. The second occurred on April 16, 1998 and was more accurately a “Tornado Outbreak” with 13 tornadoes touching down in Middle Tennessee. This group of tornadoes spanned 1320 yards and traveled 28 miles—tearing through West End and downtown before reaching this area. Over 300 homes and businesses were destroyed. Then again, on March 3, 2020, a 175-mile per hour tornado struck at 12:32 a.m. It began in North Nashville, skirted the edge of downtown, and left its greatest damage in East Nashville and neighboring Wilson County. Over 200 people were injured and 5 people were killed. It was an ominous start to an ominous year that also brought the Covid-19 pandemic, social justice protests, a contentious presidential election, and a terrorist bombing on Second Avenue on Christmas Day.

East Nashville’s long and tragic relationship with natural disasters is complicated. Yes, Nashvillians from across the metro area have come to help and volunteer with rebuilding efforts, but redevelopment has also contributed to East Nashville’s struggle with gentrification. The 1916 fire and 1933, ‘98, and 2020 tornadoes not only destroyed historic buildings but also affordable homes. As the Tennessean journalist Adam Tamburin put it after the 2020 tornado: “Community members are worried the tornado will pour gasoline on the already blazing fire of gentrification, pushing vulnerable citizens further from the city center.” As you take in the glory of the East End, think about the past and present challenges to balance preservation, development, and affordability.

Once you reach the intersection of South 11th St. and Woodland, stay there or feel free to explore the Five Points area as you listen to this next stop.