History

Before European settlement, the Nashville riverfront served as hunting and gathering land for the Cherokee, Chickasaw, and Shawnee Nations. When Nashville was founded in the 1700s, the riverfront became a key center for trade. By the 19th century, the Cumberland River thrived as a steamboat hub, with railroads added later to enhance connections. In 1894, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers improved navigation on the river, cementing its importance for trade and transportation.

The creation of Riverfront Park in the 1980s marked a turning point for the area, transforming it into a public space dedicated to celebrating the riverfront’s vibrant history. In 1993, the park became home to its first major music festival, Dancin’ in the District, sparking a tradition of concerts, festivals, and community gatherings that continue today.

Throughout its history, the riverfront has been shaped by both its triumphs and challenges. Historic floods in 1927, 1975, and 2010 reached devastating levels, underscoring the area’s vulnerability to the power of the Cumberland River. After the catastrophic 2010 flood, then-Mayor Karl Dean announced plans in 2013 to revitalize the riverfront. With the combined efforts of city and state governments bolstered by federal flood relief, plans moved swiftly, leading to the park’s grand reopening in July 2015.

Read more about Nashville's Riverfront HERE.

For historic photos of the riverfront, click HERE.