Second Avenue Historic District

Welcome to the Second Avenue Historic District, located between Union Street and Broadway. Way back in 1784, the land for this street was sold by the State of North Carolina for just £4, which translates to $600 today! Originally called Market Street, this road connected the Cumberland River port directly to the city’s Public Square at the top of the hill.

Market Street has witnessed several significant events in American history. In 1825, a parade honored Revolutionary War hero General Marquis de Lafayette as he traveled through the city. Just thirteen years later, in 1838, this same street became part of the route of the Trail of Tears, when tens of thousands of Native Americans were forcibly removed by the federal government and marched west of the Mississippi River. Take our Early History tour to learn more.

As you look at the Victorian-era architecture, notice the cast-iron ornamentation, large windows, and narrow but deep buildings—some extending more than 200 feet back. For more than a century, this street bustled with stores selling everything from stoves to saddles to fresh fruit and vegetables. There were also several distilleries here owned by names that might sound familiar. Ever heard of Jack Daniel or George Dickel?

In 1855, a young German immigrant named Zadoc Levy opened a merchant tailor shop here on Market Street. Merchant tailors were master craftsmen whose work signaled both status and profession. Levy’s Clothier was more than a shop; it was a gathering place.

Over the next two centuries, Levy’s moved as Nashville’s retail districts shifted from Market Street to Fifth Avenue to areas outside of downtown. Levi’s eventually moved to Green Hills, but it’s still in operation! Fun Fact: Levy’s remains the oldest family-owned men’s clothing business in the United States.

In the late twentieth century, Market Street’s buildings were restored and repurposed for use as restaurants, bars, offices, and residences. As you continue walking, feel free to stop for shopping, food, and drink. While not as crowded as Lower Broadway, you’ll still find lots of live music. Most of these buildings are listed in the National Register of Historic Places, so keep an eye out for plaques and signs that tell you more about the street’s history.

Stop when you reach 138 Second Avenue North on your right. This site is known as Butler’s Run, the first mixed-use building in downtown Nashville to feature retail establishments, offices, and a private residence.