Discovering the Real Nashville: Music City Then and Now

Nashville's history - that's my game. What is or even what will be has never captured my imagination quite like what was. I've lived here in what is often called "music city" nearly my entire life. I've never wanted to live anywhere else. I'm always excited to show our visitors and new residents around the place, my kind of town with a rich and varied historic legacy. There's more to Nashville than music, as important as that now is. Since I was a boy I've walked the Nashville battlefield and imagined the soldiers at war here. When I was nine years old I went with my family to the Vanderbilt stadium to hear President Kennedy. I live in a "historic" neighborhood in a house built nearly a hundred years ago. Only a few years ago I witnessed the devastation of the Great Flood. Nashvilles history has been, in large part my own history. Its in my blood and very much alive. For years friends and family would laugh and say: "Jim! You should be a tour guide. . or a history teacher. " So let me show you around and give you an experience you won't forget! -Lifelong history buff and Nashville resident. -Hold a Masters degree from Vanderbilt University. -Eagle scout and twenty plus years as a registered BSA adult leader where I've been the defacto tour guide on various USA high adventure experiences. -Have participated for over forty years in various Living History events relating to the Revolutionary and Civil War. -As a remodeling contractor I've worked on many local historic structures becoming familiar with the architectural development and growth of Nashville. -I've written over sixty history related articles in my history blog. Most concern local history.