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Nashville, Tennessee: Athens of the South

Called the "Athens of the South," Nashville has many colleges and universities, including University Vanderbilt and Fisk University. Athens, Greece has a Parthenon on the Acropolis. South Athens Parthenon in Centennial Park, the site of Expo 1897. The Parthenon is an exact replica of that of Greece. It supports all the friezes around the building. Architect uses the drawings of the British Museum to produce the desired effect. The building, from plaster, was so impressive that people wanted to go after the show closes. Nature has taken its toll on the plaster and concrete with a permanent building was completed in 1931, renovated and reopened in 2003.

Approaching the Parthenon of the East, the symmetry of the building impresses the visitor, not a single straight line, however, the entire structure. The pediment above seventy-two doors, one ton represents the birth of Athena. At the gates of the west pediment represents the fight between Athena and Poseidon for control of Attica. Under the eaves around the building, a series of friezes illustrate the gods and heroes. Inside the sanctuary, primary chamber, a statue of Pallas Athena, the protectress of Athens, dominates. The increase of forty-two feet of his clothes covered with gold leaf radiate its beauty and richness of Greece. Along the walls, replicas of fragments of pediments rest "rescued" by Lord Elgin in 1804, after the Turks had broken the Parthenon original. Finally, the treasure ships behind the smaller versions of the pediments represent an external description of the various gods and goddesses.

A five-minute short trip from downtown takes visitors to the state capital building. There is free parking a few blocks from the Farmers Market. More than two hundred steps up the hill from the building. Statue of Andrew Jackson and Sergeant Alvin York dominate the grounds, where President James Polk and his wife Sarah are buried. Capital formation, completed in 1849, houses the executive and legislative branches of government. The self-guided tour, you can actually see the governor working in his office. Capital Building has become in a heated during the Civil War. Plans weapon sounds for some of the arguments. William Strickland, architect, asked to be buried behind the cornerstone of the building. If the visitor is lucky, William could make their presence felt, as he often.

A short distance east of the city is the Hermitage, home of President Andrew Jackson. A very controversial man himself, the building reflects the stature of Old Hickory: doors wide and up the stairs. He received his glory by winning the Battle of New Orleans after the 1812 war ended. Also defied the Supreme Court began the relocation of Native Americans (he was tired of linkage to kill them all and then put them away, The Trail of Tears). It also left his first wife and married Rachel dedicated to him. For many of Andrew Jackson is a great man. I rank him with George Armstrong Custer. It is a compliment.

The visitor will also find in the grounds of the house of Uncle Albert Jackson digs former slave and caretaker of the estate in the 20th century. Archaeology in the hut about half miles in the fields reveal the life of the community of slaves in Antebellum Tennessee.

A trip to Music City will not give a full tribute to the Grand Ole Opry at Opryland. A visitor will notice all tourist buses and Nashville. They see the capital building, the Parthenon, and the chapel Grand Ole Opry. When we were there, we saw over fifty buses parked in the lot in full of white-haired men and women who arrive. Grand Ole Opry performances are held every Friday and Saturday night. Everything is within walking distance: festivals, Opry Mills (mall), etc.

When planning your trip to the Athens of the South, remembers that the city has much more to country music.

About the Author

John Pelley is a Geriatric Gypsy.  He is retired from the rat race of working.  He is a  full-time RVer, who ran away from home.  He began our travels on the East Coast and, like the migrating birds, seek the warmth of the seasons  He has discovered volunteering with the National Park System.  Hae has a CD he has recorded of Native American flute music., A Day with Kokopelli. For pictures, links, and more information visit http://www.jmpelley.org.

Farmers Market (Paperback) $3.91 Colorful vegetables, delicious fruits, and lots of friends. . . . The farmers market is always fun! Illustrator Edward Martinez brings the hustle and bustle of market day to life.