
When you think of Nashville, what comes to mind? We can make some guesses, but it probably ain't Coffee, right? Specifically, Maxwell House Coffee? PYet, little-known to many, Nashville is steeped in a caffeinated history tied to one of America’s most iconic coffee brands.
If you’re a history buff, coffee enthusiast, or just someone who loves a good story, there’s an intriguing tale behind Maxwell House Coffee’s Nashville roots. And guess what? You can uncover much of it right while exploring the Music City. Whether you’re planning your next Nashville Walking Tour or just need a fresh nugget of trivia to brew over your morning cup of joe, this story is worth savoring.
Welcome to Maxwell House Hotel, Where It All Began
We start our story at a once-grand landmark that loomed over downtown Nashville in the late 19th century—the historic Maxwell House Hotel. Built in 1859, the hotel was an architectural gem of its time, offering luxury to high-ranking officials, entertainers, and travelers.
But what made Maxwell House far more iconic wasn’t its opulent hospitality—it was its coffee. The hotel served a specially brewed coffee so delicious that legend claims it was described as "Good to the last drop!" by none other than President Teddy Roosevelt himself during a stay in 1907. These five words would later become the slogan that etched Maxwell House Coffee into the annals of American culture. Fun fact, wasn’t Roosevelt basically the original influencer?
Prohibition and Hidden Tales Inside Maxwell House
Ah, but the hotel’s history doesn’t stop brewing there (pun intended). During Prohibition, Maxwell House Hotel gained a rather, shall we say, scandalous reputation. Turns out, Al Capone had a connection to the place, and rumor has it that there was a room stocked full of liquor. It seems the hotel offered more than just coffee to “keep things moving” during the dry era.
Also, not all history tied to the hotel is sweet. Perhaps less known and more controversial is the fact that the hotel hosted a convention of the Ku Klux Klan, where the group’s first Grand Wizard, Nathan Bedford Forest, was knighted. While some stories from the past may feel uncomfortable, they are essential parts of Nashville’s textured history.
Nashville’s Lasting Legacy in Coffee Culture
Maxwell House Coffee may have started here, but its cultural impact has carried far beyond Music City. Over time, its success helped introduce Americans to coffee as an everyday element of life—a major milestone in today’s obsession with specialty coffee shops and pour overs (and don’t forget pumpkin spice lattes).
While some of Maxwell House’s influence may feel old-school in today’s craft coffee world, you can still see its legacy in Nashville’s thriving coffee culture. The city prides itself as much on its third-wave coffee founders as it does on its baristas who whip up latte art with the finesse of a guitar solo.
A Stop for Every Nashville Walking Tour
For those planning a Nashville Tour, a detour into Maxwell House history fits perfectly into your itinerary. While the original Maxwell House Hotel was tragically destroyed by fire in 1961, its legacy is alive in stories, local pride, and landmarks tied to its name.
Drink a cup of Maxwell House Coffee- a True Nashville Original.
Explore downtown Nashville and learn where the original hotel stood at on Church Street. A commemorative plaque marks its location—a humble reminder of its grand past.
Or take a broader Nashville History Walking Tour and learn even more amazing stories about this historic hotel!
What Can Nashville Tourists Learn from Maxwell House Coffee?

Stories like this remind us that even the simplest acts—like ordering a cup of coffee—carry history in their steam. Maxwell House helped put coffee culture on the map long before Starbucks turned café-hopping into a lifestyle.
Whether your love of coffee drives you to find the best brew in town, or the history nerd in you wants a story tied to one of America’s favorite pastimes, the connection between Nashville and Maxwell House Coffee is an unexpected delight.
The next time Nashville calls your name, don’t just focus on its music and food scene. Venture off the beaten path and savor the city’s historical brew—because Maxwell House Coffee’s roots are “Good to the last drop,” just like the stories you’ll uncover in Music City.
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