Tony and I enjoy hiking around different parks..Now I call it hiking, even if there are no caves,…read morewaterfalls or mountains involved....it's basically a word I use for just plain walking around sometimes..Like here...at Winstead Park...we didn't actually hike we parked our car and took a very nice walk. We first went over and read the signs about the history of the park and the military that was there. Then we walked out the paved path. It was very nice walk among the trees and the pathway winds along the pathway of the grounds. There are a few benches in the park. There is no picnic tables in this section of the park. It is a nice area. You can walk, jog, walk your doggies or even bike if you want to. It is really nice and sort of level, with just a little up and down grades, nothing very major. You can easily take your children here and have a great time. Back at the parking lot area there is the public bathrooms for your use and they are very clean. To the left of the restrooms the path winds up hill a little bit with some steps where you will find the cannons and monuments. It is a very nice park with great over view of Franklin. A very important battle was fought here during the Civil War. It is a nice park to visit especially if you are into the historical facts of area or following the parks and facts about the Civil War. Like me??? Yep like Me !!! If you can go here, please do...if you know anything about me, you know I enjoy FREE and of course this lovely park is absolutely FREE to enjoy...can you believe that...? Enjoy!!!

Writing about war and memorials is difficult for many people, myself included. I have ancestors and…read morefamily members who fought in the American Revolutionary War and virtually every war since then, including me - with service in Vietnam. (I also served in the US Peace Corps under Sergeant Schriver, so I've seen contributions of US citizens on many levels and many "fronts"). One of the most controversial aspects is the memorializing or celebrating sacrifices of women and men who fought for their beliefs...regardless of which "side" they served during the conflict. The monuments at Winstead Hill Park are no exception. Granted, this was a significant vantage point for the Confederate Army in the Battle of Franklin. But, how should this area be commemorated? (Apparently some reviewers think it should not be here at all.) There are newer monuments to people who fought on both sides, especially those reflected in the 2021 "Fuller Story" located in downtown Franklin. But I am writing this review simply as my observations on a visit to this place. I am not trying to judge whether it should or should not be celebrated or here in the first place. The park has some easy-to-navigate walking paths...relatively level and smooth with only a few gentle rises to negotiate. IMHO walking paths in this part of the park, are very handicap friendly. A few markers dot the paths in this relatively small "park"... the staging and observations area for the Confederates. However, the actual "memorial" to the Confederate Units ("Sons of the Confederate Memorial") and their leadership is a different story. It is a very steep, difficult climb up a poorly designed and awkwardly - only partially paved - "trail". The monuments to the Confederate Units are rather imposing considering the limited space in which they are displayed. Once you arrive at the top, the view does provide a quite expansive look over what would have been the Union troop placements and defenses near the town. BUT, the access is so steep and difficult, anyone with limited mobility should not attempt...and if you are in a wheel chair...it is categorically impossible. Bottom line: a nice, quiet park area that evokes mixed emotions for many visitors.

My friend and I try to visit every state capitol when we travel. This one is located on top of a…read morehill and parking was not available (lots of open reserved spots which required a permit which made no sense to me). We came across one lot with a couple of open spots that did not have "reserved" signage so we stopped to ask an employee whom was having car trouble and he stated to park nose forward and not backwards and we should be fine (unfortunately, we did not fit). We parked down the hill curbside (paid) and walked up the numerous steps but all was so beautiful (lots of greenery and scenery). As for the capitol itself, it was very nice and clean (as all are) and we had missed the guided tour that was taking place but we were able to self guide. We got to see some employees at work which was interesting and got to see some of the chambers and take pics. Overall, plan on spending about an hour here, especially if you are going to go out on the balcony to check out the views. Very friendly security guards upon entering as well (you do go through a metal detector which made me feel safe).

4.5 Stars On our…read morelast day in Nashville, my brother and I spent time on the grounds of the Tennessee State Capitol. It was incorporated in a walk that took us from the Downtown Embassy Suites across from Music City Center to Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. It was my second time seeing the Tennessee State Capitol Building on my vacation. The first was from the Gray Line Tour. The Tennessee State Capitol Building with the Capitol District added a different dimension to the Nashville vacation. Once we got to Union Street, even though we were less than a mile from Broadway, Music City USA seemed miles away. It felt like we were now in a city celebrating the state of Tennessee. We entered from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard and 6th Avenue. The first thing I noticed is how high up it is. We climbed steps to enter the grounds. The Tennessee State Capitol Building is at the highest elevation in Downtown Nashville. It is remarkably noticeable from the Northside view along US 31/41, where it looks like it is on top of a small green mountain where a trail of steps carry people up. Not to be political (pardon the pun) the best spots to see The Tennessee State Capitol Building up close was from the east side. The second best spot to see it is from the north side either from US 31/41 or Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park where you get the awesome hill view. The Supreme Court Building blocks the west side. And during our visit, the reconstruction at Legislative Plaza prevented us from taking prime views at the south side. With that said we spent quality time on the east side. Being up on the higher elevation with mature trees, the weather felt better. When we ascended the southeast corner steps I took in the Alvin York statue. When we got to the top of the hill I took in the statue of President Andrew Jackson on his horse Cincinnati with the State Capitol behind it. Walking along the shaded walking paths, I took in the Tennessee Capitol Bell which is a replica of the Liberty Bell. Rising above Downtown Tennessee, my eyes took in a distant east view and past the Capitol an impressive view of Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park where we were headed next. I stopped to take in the pond. In the shadow of the State Capitol, my brother and I spent time on a bench overlooking the Tomb of President James Knox Polk and his wife Sarah. The majority of my attention was on the State Capitol Building. Designed by William Strickland, it was completed in 1859 when Tennessee decided that Nashville was going to be the state capitol. The architecture is Greek Revival. William Strickland based it on a Greek Iconic Temple. It stands 206.6 feet tall. It is one of twelve state capitols without a dome. While I was looking at it and taking pictures I was aware that the Tennessee State Senate and Governor could be behind the wall. I was certain that it was the second state capitol building that I spent time outside of (I also reviewed the Colorado State Capitol). Deciding to walk to the Tennessee State Capitol Building and ultimately Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park was a very good move. They added another dimension to the Nashville, Tennessee vacation where we got to celebrate the State of Tennessee. Being that this review focuses on the Tennessee State Capitol Building, I feel that my experience on its grounds admiring the beautiful Greek Revival architecture with the statues, mature trees, views, and burial spot of President James Knox Polk and his wife Sarah minus an inside tour makes it worthy of 4.5 stars

This is a park where you go at your own pace to take in the plaques of music legends that have been…read morehonored. Nice area to take a stroll, sit in the grass or steps and people watch. There is a lot to do in and around this area and in a touristy area. People were friendly and although there were some unhoused people, they were minding their business and weren't bothering anyone. People with pets also frequent this area so before you lay down that blanket to sunbathe or have a lunch in the park, be mindful of your surroundings. If you bring your pet, clean up after them to keep from ruining someone's day.

We had some time to kill before our tour at Hatch Show Print, so we walked around the Music City…read moreWalk of Fame Park as it was across from the building which housed the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and Hatch Show Print. As it was March 1, the lawn was dry and brown, and I'm sure the park looks much better in the summer, so it's unfair for me to give the park a low rating based on the condition of the lawn. But ignoring the brown lawn, this was not a great park. There were some picnic benches, and attempts at "fun activities" (a giant chess board, a volleyball net, and a cornhole board), but there was a lack of trees, so in the summer, even with a lush, green lawn, there would be very little shade. And yes, I judge a park by its trees and available shade -- I do not like parks that are simply large, open lawns. I like parks with shaded areas, trees, flowers, and nice places to sit. One of the features of the park was the Walk of Fame -- stars with the names of musicians. Neat, but not something I would go out of my way to see. [Yelp collections: Nashville, TN 2026; Parks and Gardens]

Mansker's Station is a historic landmark located in Moss Wright Park…read more Kasper Manskin settled in this area and established his own forted station. This is a recreation of a forced station from the era around 1779 to 1790. This is a great place to visit. It is hard to imagine how very different this bustling community back in the later part of the 1700's. If you are in the area, I would definitely recommend a visit to Historic Mansker's Station.

What a wonderful way to revisit the past and enjoy the present. This location was a critical part…read moreof developing the Nashville area. I was researching the period for a book and learned many cool things, making sure to include the site in the book. Go and enjoy, get a tour. There's a great lunch spot nearby with healthy and delicious food.

Our visit to War Memorial Plaza was truly memorable. This beautiful historical space in downtown…read moreNashville honors the service and sacrifice of Tennessee's veterans with dignity and grace, surrounded by powerful monuments and stunning architecture. The thoughtful layout, with plaques and memorials you can walk around and reflect on, makes it both a peaceful place to learn and a meaningful stop during a city visit.

War memorial plaza is a downtown nashville Tennessee plaza and commercial building area that…read morefeatures several cool sculptures, statues and monuments. A very lovely place to walk around or sit around in relax in busy downtown nashville filled with lots of history and cool things to check out. Overall a really nice plaza and well done by the designers and all the artists who make up the plaza.

My hubby is a bit of a history buff. We had been at the VA for a car show and just happened by this…read moreplace. We got lunch at In-N-Out then came back and used the shady picnic tables to relax and have a picnic. They have a smallish museum, in comparison to other National Park museums, but it is packed with facts and interesting artifacts. Outside there are trails to walk, and separate bike lanes. On a sunny day there are many shady areas to stop and enjoy the sights, sounds and fragrances!

Interesting battle field, and free. Part of the NPS. Very few monuments. Battle was over three…read moredays, fighting on two. I visited on a nice Friday afternoon, it was not crowded, quite peaceful. Visitor center has a nice display. I enjoyed my visit. I skipped the cemeteries(one Union one confederate).

We stopped by the Customs House in downtown Nashville over Labor Day weekend while I was in town…read morewith some friends for a football game. We had some free time to explore the city between everything we had planned, and this was one of the landmarks we made a point to check out. The Customs House is a really impressive building. The Victorian Gothic architecture immediately catches your attention, especially the huge central clock tower, the detailed stonework, and the large arched entrance. It has a completely different look from a lot of the buildings you see around downtown Nashville, which made it a cool place to stop and take a closer look. I thought the history behind it was really interesting too. Construction started in the 1870s, and President Rutherford B. Hayes actually came to Nashville in 1877 to lay the cornerstone. The building originally served as a post office, customs house, and federal courthouse, so it played a pretty important role in Nashville's history. We were already downtown enjoying the weekend with friends and getting ready for the football game, so stopping at places like this made the trip more than just a football weekend. It was fun getting out and seeing some of the history and architecture that makes Nashville such an interesting city. Definitely glad we took the time to stop and see the Customs House. It is a beautiful historic building and a great reminder that there is a lot more to Nashville than Broadway and the music scene. Five stars from me for being such a unique and interesting piece of Nashville history.

Great building with tons of history and character.... also where I had to go to court.....This…read morebuilding is AMAZING...I had to go here today for court..so I was so excited to able to enter the building. There is a historical market: The cornerstone was laid Sept. 19, 1877, by President Rutherford B. Hayes on the first visit of a president to the South since the Civil War. Opened in 1882 at 701 Broadway, it originally housed the city's post office on the ground floor. The federal Treasury Department offices were on the second, and Justice Department and courtrooms on the third I went a little early so I could walk around the building and take some really nice photos of this building..The character of the Architecture reminds me of Victorian Artistry.. Additional Historical information I found on the internet about this building: A beautiful, stately, ornate building that served the Nashville area for almost a century before being cast aside, the Customs House is a reminder of what government can do right with architecture. It is one of the finest pieces of Victorian architecture in Tennessee and was abuzz with activity until the late 20th century when the United States government decided it didn't want the building anymore. Fortunately, the Nashville Metropolitan Government did, and took possession of the building for redevelopment. 1877 - The cornerstone of this building is laid by President Hayes. 1882 - The clock tower is completed. 1903 - The rear portion of the building is completed. 1916 - The wings of the building are completed. 1972 - The building is added to the National Register of Historic Places. 1979 - Ownership is transferred from the federal government to the local government. When President Rutherford B. Hayes laid the cornerstone of the Customs House on September 19, 1877, it symbolized the end of Southern Reconstruction after the Civil War. Approval for a federal building dates to 1856, but construction delays and the Civil War caused Nashville to wait for more than twenty years for a facility to house federal courts, customs, and post office. Treasury architect William Appleton Potter designed this grand example of the Victorian Gothic style. From its massive yet ornate stone block a central clock tower soars. The many rich details, such as the Gothic lancet windows and a deeply inset triple-arch entrance, make this an exceptional example of Victorian Gothic architecture. In the 1990s the Customs House was declared surplus property by the federal government and was turned over to Metro Nashville government which worked toward its renovation and reuse. The building is now leased from the city by a private firm which renovated its interior and leases the space to office tenants - a significant milestone in historic preservation in Nashville. I am not sure if everyone is interested in the historical aspect of the building, this surplus Federal Property is now owned by Nashville Metro. I hope it is NEVER DESTROYED...

This marker is located at an entrance to the Collins' Farm Historical Park and points out one of…read morethe battles from the Civil War. The Nashville battlefields were some of the most intense outside of the Virginia/Maryland area and this marker points out some of that history. The marker reads, "Confederate Regiments from Brig. Gen. Thomas Scott's, Brig. Gen. John Adams', and Brig. Gen. Winfield Featherstons's Brigades of Maj. Gen. William Loring's Division advanced under artillery fire through this northwestern parcel of Carnton across the Nashville and Decatur Railroad tracks to face Osage Orange abatis and entrenched Federal Forces equipped, in part, with repeating rifles. The troops made the final 60 yards with fixed bayonets to face withering rifle fire that "swept our ranks like hail." To escape the enfilading rifle fire, survivors fell back to the ravine on Carnton, still under artillery fire. Wheeling his troops west, reportedly, Gen. Adams rode into this ravine, his horse nearly stepping on Cpl. Joseph Thompson, 35th Alabama, wounded by cannon shot." The first paragraph of the nearby caption reads, "In September 1864, after Union Gen. William T. Sherman defeated Confederate Gen. John Bell Hood at Atlanta, Hood led the Army of Tennessee northwest against Sherman's supply lines. Rather than contest Sherman's "March to the Sea," Hood moved north into Tennessee. Gen. John M. Schofield, detached from Sherman's army, delayed Hood at Columbia and Spring Hill before falling back to Franklin. The bloodbath here on November 30 crippled the Confederates, but they followed Schofield to the outskirts of Nashville and Union Gen. George H. Thomas's strong defenses. Hood's campaign ended when Thomas crushed his army on December 15-16." Agree or disagree with the reasoning behind the Civil War, there is certainly no doubt that these men fought valiantly and that sacrifice should be remembered. [Review 20064 overall - 420 in Tennessee - 1040 of 2023.]