Live Webcam Second Avenue, Downtown Nashville,Tennessee (2024)

The Second Avenue area of Nashville, Tennessee, is a historic district known for its rich history and vibrant culture. The district is home to numerous buildings dating back to the mid-19th century, many of which have been preserved and restored.

Originally known as Market Street, Second Avenue was once the center of Nashville's commercial and entertainment activity. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the district was home to numerous businesses, including shops, theaters, and hotels. It also became a popular spot for musicians and performers, who would often gather to play and sing on the street corners.

Over time, the district fell into disrepair, and many of its historic buildings were lost. However, in the 1960s and 1970s, efforts began to restore the area to its former glory. Today, Second Avenue is once again a vibrant commercial and entertainment district, home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and nightlife venues.

In recent years, Second Avenue has also been the site of several major events, including the annual New Year's Eve "Music City Midnight" celebration, which draws thousands of visitors to the area. Unfortunately, in December 2020, the area was the site of a tragic bombing that caused significant damage to several buildings and resulted in numerous injuries. However, the community has rallied together to begin the process of rebuilding and restoring the area once again.

Historical Facts

• Second Avenue was originally known as Market Street and was the center of Nashville's commercial activity in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
• The district was home to numerous businesses, including shops, theaters, hotels, and saloons. It also became a popular spot for musicians and performers, who would often gather to play and sing on the street corners.
• Many of the buildings in the Second Avenue district date back to the mid-19th century and have been preserved and restored over the years.
• In the early 1900s, the district became known as "Printer's Alley" due to the large number of printing shops located in the area.
• Second Avenue was also home to the Maxwell House Hotel, which was known for its famous slogan, "Good to the Last Drop," coined after President Theodore Roosevelt drank a cup of their coffee during a visit in 1907.
• In the mid-20th century, the Second Avenue district fell into disrepair, and many of its historic buildings were lost. However, in the 1960s and 1970s, efforts began to restore the area to its former glory.
• Today, Second Avenue is once again a vibrant commercial and entertainment district, home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and nightlife venues.
• In December 2020, the Second Avenue district was the site of a bombing that caused significant damage to several buildings and resulted in numerous injuries. However, the community has rallied together to begin the process of rebuilding and restoring the area once again.

Architecture

The architecture of Second Avenue is a mix of styles that reflect the area's rich history and evolution over time. Here are some architectural features and styles commonly found in the Second Avenue historic district:

• Italianate Style: Many of the buildings on Second Avenue were built in the Italianate style, which was popular in the mid-19th century. This style is characterized by its ornate, decorative details, including arched windows, bracketed cornices, and elaborate ironwork.
• Romanesque Revival Style: Some of the buildings on Second Avenue were constructed in the Romanesque Revival style, which was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This style is characterized by its round arches, sturdy stone construction, and decorative motifs inspired by medieval architecture.
• Art Deco Style: In the early 20th century, some buildings on Second Avenue were designed in the Art Deco style, which features bold geometric shapes, sleek lines, and ornate details like sunbursts and zigzag patterns.
• Cast Iron Facades: Many of the buildings on Second Avenue feature cast iron facades, which were popular in the mid-19th century. These facades allowed builders to create ornate designs without the expense of using carved stone or wood.
• Terracotta Details: Terracotta is a type of fired clay that was often used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to create decorative details on buildings. Many of the buildings on Second Avenue feature intricate terracotta details, including columns, cornices, and friezes.

Overall, the architecture of Second Avenue reflects the area's rich history and evolution over time, from its mid-19th century origins as a bustling commercial hub to its modern-day incarnation as a vibrant cultural and entertainment district.

Geography

The district is situated between the Cumberland River to the east and Broadway to the south, with Union Street to the north and Commerce Street to the south.

Second Avenue runs parallel to Broadway and is just one block to the east. The district covers several blocks and includes numerous buildings, many of which date back to the mid-19th century.

The area is easily accessible by foot and is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Second Avenue is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and nightlife venues, as well as several historic sites and landmarks, such as the Ryman Auditorium, the Johnny Cash Museum, and the Patsy Cline Museum.

In recent years, Second Avenue has also become known for its lively street performances, including musicians and other performers who can often be found entertaining crowds on the sidewalks and street corners. Overall, Second Avenue is a vibrant and dynamic part of downtown Nashville, steeped in history and culture, and beloved by locals and visitors alike.

Top Tourist Attractions

• Ryman Auditorium: Known as the "Mother Church of Country Music," the Ryman Auditorium is a historic venue that has hosted countless legendary performers over the years, including Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and Elvis Presley.
• Johnny Cash Museum: Located on Second Avenue, the Johnny Cash Museum is dedicated to the life and legacy of the iconic country musician. The museum features exhibits and artifacts related to Cash's life and career, including guitars, stage costumes, and personal items.
• Patsy Cline Museum: Also located on Second Avenue, the Patsy Cline Museum is dedicated to the life and music of the legendary country singer. The museum features artifacts, personal belongings, and other items related to Cline's life and career.
• Historic Buildings: Second Avenue is home to numerous historic buildings, many of which have been restored and preserved over the years. Some of the most notable buildings include the Merchants Hotel, the L&C Tower, and the Trolley Barns.
• Nightlife: Second Avenue is also a popular destination for nightlife, with a variety of bars, clubs, and music venues that offer live music and entertainment. Some of the top spots include the Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar, the Wildhorse Saloon, and the Listening Room Cafe.

Overall, Second Avenue offers visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and entertainment, making it a must-see destination for anyone visiting Nashville.