What Two Brothers from 1886 Can Teach Us About Nashville Today
- Paul Whitten
- Jul 15
- 2 min read
By Paul Whitten, Founder – Nashville Adventures
A Piece of Tennessee History I Had to Share
In 1886, Tennessee witnessed one of the most unforgettable political campaigns in American history. I wrote about it recently in The Tennessean, and it’s a story I believe every visitor to Nashville should hear.
It’s called the War of the Roses — a race between two brothers, Alf and Bob Taylor, who ran against each other for governor. One was a Republican. The other, a Democrat. Instead of tearing each other apart, they rode to campaign stops together, played fiddles onstage, and debated with respect and humor.
It wasn’t about scorched-earth politics. It was about something Nashville has always done well: charm and civility with a bit of music thrown in.
Why This Matters to Nashville Visitors Today
Most folks come to Nashville for live music, hot chicken, or a good whiskey. But once they’re here, they want something deeper — something real.
That’s what we offer today and everyday at Nashville Adventures.
This story of the Taylor brothers shows how our history isn’t just about battles and buildings. It’s about people. People who disagreed passionately — and still treated each other like family.
Just like our tours, this story hits you with humor, humanity, and a little heartache too.
From the Campaign Trail to Printer’s Alley
The Taylor brothers carried fiddles across Tennessee. I carry a microphone down Broadway and Printer’s Alley.
Our tours don’t just teach you dates and facts — they connect the past to who we are now. Whether it's ghost stories, Civil War leadership, or how Music City got its name, we show how history is alive, emotional, and relevant.
The War of the Roses proves that storytelling and leadership can go hand-in-hand.So do our tours.
Nashville Has Done This Before — We Can Do It Again... Even Today
The story I wrote isn’t just about politics. It’s about who we choose to be — as leaders, locals, tourists, and neighbors. Nashville today is at a crossroads, but we have great examples of what to strive for.
Tennessee did something beautiful in 1886. And in a time where people are often yelling past each other, maybe it’s time we picked up a fiddle and remembered what grace looks like.
Read the Full Op-Ed
You can read my full article in The Tennessean here.
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