Embark on a historical journey through the heart of Tennessee with the "Map of the City of Nashville, Davidson County," crafted in 1908 by the esteemed mapmaker G.M. Hopkins. This exquisite piece not only serves as a testament to Hopkins' dedication to precision and detail but also encapsulates a pivotal moment in Nashville's evolution. Known for his meticulous city maps across the United States, Hopkins' work on Nashville offers a unique bird's-eye view of the city, presenting a vivid tableau of its streets, landmarks, and the bustling life of the early 20th century. This map, with its hand-colored lithographic print, invites admirers to explore the intricate layout of Nashville, from the Cumberland River's meandering path to the distinguished Vanderbilt University, showcasing the city's growing prominence in the region.
The map delineates an array of neighborhoods, including North, South, East, and West Nashville, along with the vibrant Downtown area, each colored by precincts for easy navigation. Noteworthy is the inclusion of street car lines in striking red, illustrating the city's early public transportation network that connected its citizens to the heart of Nashville. The map's attention to such details not only reflects the urban planning of the time but also provides a glimpse into the daily lives of Nashvillians, making it a fascinating artifact for both historians and enthusiasts of urban development.
Landmarks of historical and cultural significance are prominently featured, with Centennial Park, Belmont College, Shelby Park, and Vanderbilt University circled in red, drawing the viewer's eye to these pivotal sites. The presence of the Tennessee State Capitol, Ryman Auditorium, and The Parthenon within this cartographic masterpiece underscores Nashville's rich heritage and its role as a center of education, governance, and entertainment. These landmarks, captured in their nascent stages, offer a rare opportunity to visualize the city's architectural and societal landscape during a time of rapid growth and transformation.
Moreover, the map's comprehensive directory of streets and businesses serves as a valuable resource, painting a detailed picture of Nashville's commercial and residential districts. This aspect not only enhances the map's utility for historical research but also enriches the narrative of Nashville's development, highlighting the city's economic vitality and the diversity of its community. The inclusion of railroads within the city limits, named and meticulously plotted, further accentuates Nashville's significance as a transportation hub, facilitating trade and travel in the burgeoning South.
In essence, the "Map of the City of Nashville, Davidson County" by G.M. Hopkins is more than a mere cartographic document; it is a portal to the past, offering a rich, immersive experience of Nashville at the dawn of the 20th century. Its remarkable detail, combined with the artistry of its design, makes it an invaluable piece for collectors, scholars, and anyone drawn to the allure of historical maps. As a luxury item, this map not only adorns a space with its visual appeal but also serves as a conversation piece, inviting viewers to delve into the fascinating story of Nashville's growth and the meticulous craft of mapmaking.
Streets and roads on this map
- 1st Avenue
- 1st Street
- 2nd Avenue
- 2nd Street
- 3rd Avenue
- 3rd Street
- 4th Avenue
- 4th Street
- 5th Avenue
- 5th Street
- 6th Avenue
- 6th Street
- 7th Avenue
- 8th Avenue
- 9th Avenue
- 10th Avenue
- 11th Avenue
- 12th Avenue
- 13th Avenue
- 14th Avenue
- 15th Avenue
- 16th Avenue
- 17th Avenue
- 18th Avenue
- 19th Avenue
- 20th Avenue
- 21st Avenue
- 22nd Avenue
- 23rd Avenue
- 24th Avenue
Notable Features & Landmarks
- Cumberland River
- Tennessee State Capitol
- Ryman Auditorium
- Vanderbilt University
- The Parthenon
- Shelby Park
- Centennial Park
- Overton Park
- Radnor Lake
Historical and design context
- Mapmaker/Publisher: G.M. Hopkins, known for detailed and accurate maps used for planning and development.
- Date: 1908, capturing Nashville during a period of rapid growth.
- Design and style: Lithographic print, hand-colored, drawn in a perspective view showing the city from a bird's-eye view.
- Historical significance: Provides a snapshot of Nashville's layout and landmarks, offering insights into the city's history and development.
Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.
This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.
This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.
Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 16in (40cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.
The model in the listing images is holding the 24x36in (60x90cm) version of this map.
The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.
If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.
Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.
This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.
This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.