Nashville is the capital and most populous city in Tennessee, founded in 1779. After the American Civil War, the town developed as a manufacturing and shipping base due to its strategic location as a port on the Cumberland River and railroad centre. At the beginning of the 20th century, the population of the city was over 80,865. Jefferson Street became the historic center of the African-American community. In 1913 Nashville adopted a commission form of government, with all members of a small commission elected at-large. On March 22, 1916, a devastating fire destroyed more than 500 homes. Though there were few injuries and only one fatality, the fire significantly damaged the economy of East Nashville for decades.

Here below are some historical photos of Nashville from the late 19th and early 20th century.