The following complimentary walking tours are led by local historian and storyteller, Carole Bucy, Professor, History, Volunteer State Community College. All tours depart from the Hospitality Desk, Commerce Street Entrance Lobby, Nashville Convention Center. Space on each tour is limited, so be sure and sign up at the Hospitality Desk early. Contact Mary Nunaley for additional information.

It Happened in Tennessee: How Women Got the Right to Vote
Hermitage Hotel
Sunday, November 11
Depart at 1:30 p.m.
Return by 3:00 p.m.

In the summer of 1920, the eyes of the nation were on Tennessee because its General Assembly had convened in special session to consider ratification of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which would give women the right to vote. Could Tennessee become the final state needed to ratify? What took place was a remarkable tale of political intrigue. The fight became known as the War of the Roses. Much of the story took place in the newly opened Hermitage Hotel across from the state capitol. As Nashville’s only remaining grand hotel and commercial example of Beaux Arts architecture, today it is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and has been renovated to showcase its original structural and decorative elegance.

A Glimpse of Tennessee History: The Tennessee State Capitol
Tennessee State Capitol
Monday, November 12
Depart at 2:00 p.m.
Return by 3:30 p.m.

Tennessee’s magnificent Greek Revival capitol building is among the oldest working capitols in the United States. Completed on the eve of the Civil War in 1859, it is located on a high hill in downtown Nashville and is an important part of the Nashville skyline. The capitol was designed by the architect William Strickland who had completed several important public buildings in Philadelphia, Boston, and New Orleans before coming to Nashville where he died before the building was completed. Its distinctive tower is designed after the monument of Lysicrates in Athens, Greece. During the Union occupation of Nashville (1862-65), the Capitol was transformed into Fortress Andrew Johnson. It was the site of many fascinating political battles which are discussed during the tour.

The Buckle of the Bible Belt: Tennessee’s Contributions to America’s Religious Heritage
Downtown Presbyterian Church
Tuesday November 13
Depart at 1:30 p.m.
Return by 3:00 p.m.

When reporter H. L. Mencken came South in 1925 to cover the Scopes Trial in Dayton, Tennessee, he labeled the state of Tennessee and the rest of the South as “The Bible Belt.” Religion may well be one of Tennessee’s most long-lasting contributions to American culture. Here in this state, denominations such as the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, the Church of the Nazarene, the Church of Christ, the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, the Church of God, and the Church of God in Christ are among the denominations whose roots can be traced back to Tennessee. This lecture is delivered in the sanctuary of the Downtown Presbyterian Church that was designed by noted architect William Strickland. It is considered to be the best example of Egyptian revival architecture in the United States and is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.

All tours depart from the Hospitality Desk, Commerce Street Entrance Lobby, Nashville Convention Center.