Tennessee State Capitol: A Missed Opportunity with a View

Our Dixie road trip took us to five state capitols, but the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville became one of only two we couldn't enter (the other being Louisiana's in Baton Rouge—thanks, Christmas Eve closure!). This time, the doors were mysteriously shut without explanation. 🏛️ Exterior Impressions Perched on a gentle hill at the highest point in downtown Nashville Surprisingly compact compared to other state capitols, but radiating Greek Revival grandeur The 11-foot bronze statue of Andrew Jackson (Tennessee's most controversial president) guards the entrance dramatically Perfect vantage point for panoramic downtown views—especially at golden hour ⚡ Why It Matters Completed in 1859, this National Historic Landmark witnessed: Civil War occupation (Union troops used it as Fort Andrew Johnson) Women's suffrage debates (TN became the 36th ratification state for the 19th Amendment) Elvis' 1961 "private meeting" with Governor Buford Ellington (rumored to avoid draft publicity) 💡 Visitor Tip Check the Tennessee General Assembly website for closure alerts—unexpected shutdowns happen during legislative sessions or security drills. #Nashville #StateCapitols #Architecture #TennesseeHistory #RoadTripFail