Broadway National Register District and Nineteenth Century Residences

The Broadway Historic District, running from the river on Second Avenue to Fifth Avenue, encompasses some of the oldest blocks of the city. Primarily commercial, it was known as the city’s furniture district from the 1870s through the 1930s. Also in the 1930s Nashville emerged as the urban center of a new genre of music, simple called “country” or “bluegrass.” When the Grand Ole Opry made the Ryman its home in 1943, the area’s country music destiny was fulfilled. As many furniture stores moved or went out of business, new bars and small music venues that catered to country music started filling the bottom floors of what would eventually become Nashville’s “Honky Tonk Row.” Most structures in this district are historic, so be sure to look up as the construction date is inset on the storefront of several buildings.

At the corner of Fourth and Broadway, you will see Merchants Restaurant. The three-story building located at 401 Broadway was built as a pharmacy in 1872. After an addition in 1892, Merchants Hotel was born and was a popular spot for musicians to spend the night. For more on Merchants, see our Food for Thought Tour. On the same side of the street, visit Ernest Tubb's Record Shop at 417 Broadway. The music store was opened in 1947 by country singer and songwriter Ernest Tubb. It was also the site of the radio show Midnight Jamboree—broadcast live from the store following the Opry’s Saturday night show. Elvis Presley and Loretta Lynn both had their first radio exposure on the Midnight Jamboree. Also check out the back door of Tootsie's Orchid Lounge across the street at 422 Broadway, which is across the alley from the stage door of the Ryman Auditorium. Since its opening in 1960, Tootsie’s has served as a very popular spot for Opry performers and their fans.

As you walk up Broadway take a LEFT on Fifth Avenue. Here you will see two historic structures. First, take a look at 104 Fifth Avenue South. Constructed in 1820, it is considered one of the oldest residential buildings in downtown. Its two-story, symmetrical three-bay design in the Federal style was typical of middle-class urban residences. The adjacent two-story commercial building at 106 Fifth Avenue was built in 1880. The lower floors of both buildings housed commercial shops in the nineteenth century, including a cobbler shop and a drugstore, while the upper floors were for residential use. These former residences are directly across from Bridgestone Arena, a music venue and home to Nashville’s National Hockey League team, the Nashville Predators.

After viewing the Broadway Historic District and Fifth Avenue Residences, continue on Broadway walking away from the Cumberland River. On your right you will pass the National Museum of African American Music. Further up the hill is the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, your next stop, on your right..