Hidden History and Haunts

Robert Penn Warren was a Vanderbilt alumnus and a world-renowned poet and novelist. So he wasn’t a historian, but when Warren wrote: “History is not a melodrama, even if it usually reads like that,” he wasn’t far off. Welcome to the Hidden History and Haunts tour on Nashville Sites! This tour explores the stories, and sometimes tall tales, associated with Music City’s lesser known history. From the Cumberland River to Printers Alley, the Ryman to the State Capitol—join us as we uncover the secrets behind some of Nashville’s key attractions. 

We will also explore fun facts about people and places that are not on any other tour. Did you know a street musician who performed on Fifth Avenue won a Grammy? Have you heard the Cinderella story about a young ventriloquist? Did you know that Maxwell House and it’s slogan “Good to the last drop!” originated right here in Nashville? My name is Janet Briggs, and I am a student at Harpeth Hall School. I co-authored this tour along with Kayleigh Whitman of Vanderbilt University and Bushra Rahman of Emory University. Tom Vickstrom—Director of Finance at the Hermitage Hotel—also served as a consultant and editor. 

The tour begins at Public Square, at the corner of 3rd Avenue North and Union Street, and ends at the Ryman Auditorium on 5th Avenue North. As you make your way to the first stop on the corner of Third and Union, let me tell you a little hidden history about Robert Penn Warren. He remains the only person in the history of the Pulitzer Prize to have won awards in both fiction and poetry. His novel All the Kings Men was awarded the prize in 1947. He also won two Pulitzers for his poetry, in 1958 and 1979. Here at Nashville Sites, our motto is “Our Story. Your Tour.” So enjoy your tour, tag us @NashvilleSites on social media, and consider making a small donation to support us!