5 Things You Didn’t Know About the History of Broadway in Nashville
- Paul Whitten
- 44 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Unlocking the secrets behind the honky-tonks, heroes, and hidden history of Music City’s most famous street.
When most people think of Broadway in Nashville, they picture neon lights, live music pouring from every window, and a parade of cowboy boots headed for the nearest rooftop bar. And hey—you're not wrong.
But behind the bright lights and party vibes is a street steeped in unexpected history. Whether you're a first-timer or a repeat visitor, here are 5 fun facts about Broadway Nashville that might just surprise you—and give you a little more reason to look up from your drink the next time you're downtown.
1. It Wasn’t Always Called Broadway
Broadway was originally known as “Broad Street” until 1904, when the name was changed as part of a citywide modernization effort.
Before the honky-tonks moved in, this was a hub for shipping, industry, and—you guessed it—brothels. Even back then, Broadway knew how to keep things spicy.
2. The Ryman Wasn’t Built for Country Music
Just off Broadway sits the Ryman Auditorium—known as the Mother Church of Country Music. But when it was built in 1892, it was literally a church.
Designed by riverboat captain and religious convert Thomas Ryman, it was intended for gospel revival services. Over time, it became a stage for legends from Johnny Cash to Elvis to Dolly.
So technically, your bachelorette pregame happens just steps away from sacred ground.
3. It Was Home to the Nation’s First Air-Conditioned Hotel
Broadway once hosted the grand Maxwell House Hotel, where President Teddy Roosevelt coined the phrase “Good to the last drop” after sipping the hotel's signature coffee.
The hotel was also one of the first in the U.S. to feature central air conditioning. Sadly, the original building was torn down in the 1960s—but its legacy (and the coffee brand) lives on.
The site now sits near where today’s Broadway nightlife unfolds—less cigars and spittoons, more frozen cocktails and boots with fringe.
4. A Civil Rights Battle Took Place on Broadway
In 1960, local students launched peaceful sit-ins at the Woolworth's lunch counter, just off Broadway. These protests became a powerful moment in the Civil Rights Movement and helped desegregate lunch counters throughout the South.
Today, the site is commemorated with a plaque—and a reminder that Broadway’s history isn’t just musical, but deeply meaningful.
5. Not All Legends Played the Big Stages First
Think country stars got their break on massive stages? Think again. Artists like Chris Stapleton, Kacey Musgraves, and Garth Brooks all played tiny Broadway bars long before the fame.
Even today, it’s not uncommon to stumble into a dive and hear someone who might be headlining Bridgestone Arena next year.
If your bartender is also your live entertainment, leave a big tip. You just might be tipping a future Grammy winner.
🎤 Walk the Street. Hear the Stories about Nashville Broadway History
History isn’t behind glass—it’s on the streets. And no street in Nashville tells a more entertaining story than Broadway. That’s why we walk it.
Join us for a Broadway Walking Tour with Nashville Adventures and learn all the amazing history about what makes Music City great. We mix music, scandal, civil rights, architecture, and whiskey-soaked tales into one unforgettable experience.
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