Tennessee State Capitol — Attraction in Nashville-Davidson

Rap Battle: “Capital Clash – Nashville vs. Frankfort”

Frankfort (stepping up, adjusting his blazer): Yo, I’m Frankfort, the capital of KY, Historic, refined, I keep my suit and tie. I’m the bourbon boss, with a stately vibe, While you’re just noise, a tourist tribe.

Nashville (strutting in with cowboy boots and swagger): Hold up, lil’ Frank, you think you’re elite? You’re a sleepy town with three downtown streets. I’m Nashville, baby—where legends are born, You’re a footnote, I’m a cultural storm.

Frankfort: I got heritage, son, and political clout, you just party too hard and scream too loud.

Nashville: Loud? That’s right—I’m the sound of the South! I got hits, hot chicken, and a million mouths. You sip bourbon, I pour fire on tracks, and let’s be real—you ain’t got no NFL packs.

Frankfort (stammering): W-well, I’ve got charm and a peaceful scene…

Nashville: I’ve got the Titans, the Preds, and a winning team. You got horses and hats—I got stadium roars, you’re a capital by law, I’m a capital that soars.

Frankfort: But I’m the heart of Kentucky, don’t forget!

Nashville: And I’m the soul of the South, with zero regret. You’re a whisper in the hills—I’m a Broadway blaze, I run on rhythm, you run on delays.

Final Verse – Nashville: So, pack up your plaques and your old-school pride, This Music City king just took you for a ride. I’m the capital that moves, that shakes, that wins— Now step aside, Frankfort. Let the real...

Architecturally, this one of the least impressive state capitol buildings I've seen in America (PA and Texas are standouts!!!), but there is still much to learn and see here. Tennessee's capitol building is the only one in the union to have a person (and there are several) buried on its premises. This is the final resting place of our 11th president and Tennesseean, James K. Polk. The building's architect, William Strickland (of Philadelphia), is buried in the structure's north wall as this was his last build and dying wish. There are others of less note interred here. Most notable is the building's Greek Revival style, which Strickland favored but is also the reason why there are no fancy domes present in the building. Visitors will note different styles of Greek columns, including ionic and composite, and learn of Tennessee's three grand divisions represented in the painting in the former state Supreme Court room. Interestingly, Nashville is in the bowl, mid division, and the capitol was built on the highest hill in the city. The views from the building's balcony overlook much of the city. The guided tour takes about 45 minutes and goes every hour, though if you're pressed for time, you can do a much quicker self-guided tour with a provided pamphlet. Pro tip: if you're stuck in the crushing humid heat of Nashville's summer, this building is a great way to escape with its...

The Tennessee State Capital building has very beautiful architecture and the history within the building is amazing. But, the security staff is all but welcoming. I recently took a group of grade school students to the capitol and the security, one state trooper in particular, treated myself and coworkers very poorly. As I was casually conversing with another officer, who was friendly, I was rudely interrupted by the state trooper and told that my convo was not needed and to just answer the questions being asked of me. We also requested parking passes, which we were told to do on arrival, and the same state trooper questioned my coworkers as if we asked for classified documents. I understand that his job is to protect those officials in the building, but there is a difference in doing your job and abusing your power and being rude. I would recommend that everyone visit the state capitol building, but not until the security staff receives public relations training. (if it isn't...