Arts District in Nashville in Davidson County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

First Masonic Hall

Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, May 23, 2026

1. First Masonic Hall Marker

Inscription.
Wilkins Tannehill, who greeted the Marquis de Lafayette here in 1825, laid the cornerstone of this Classical Revival building. It served as the Tennessee State Capitol from 1827-29 during the administration of Gov. Sam Houston and as the meeting place of Christ Church Episcopal until the completion of its building. In 1856 the building burned and was replaced by a second Masonic Hall on the same site, which was used as a hospital for U.S. troops during the Civil War.

Side 2:

Commenced in 1818, completed in 1820.
Hugh Roland, Architect

Erected 2024 by The Historical Commission of Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County. (Marker Number 286.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Notable Buildings • Science & Medicine • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Lafayette’s Farewell Tour, and the Tennessee, The Historical Commission of Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County series lists.

Location. 36° 9.805′ N, 86° 46.785′ W. Marker is in Nashville, Tennessee,

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in Davidson County. It is in the Arts District. It is on Church Street, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 424 Church Street, Nashville TN 37219, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Middle Tennessee.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Downtown Presbyterian Church I (a few steps from this marker); Maxwell House Hotel (a few steps from this marker); The Downtown Presbyterian Church II (within shouting distance of this marker); Downtown Presbyterian Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Sarah Estell (within shouting distance of this marker); Fourth and Church (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Nashville Sit-Ins (about 300

Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, May 23, 2026

2. First Masonic Hall Marker

feet away); Tennessee Ornithological Society (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Nashville.

Another marker is no longer nearby. First Masonic Hall (was a few steps from this marker but has been confirmed missing).

First Masonic Hall Marker (marker is in bottom right corner of the photo) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, May 23, 2026

3. First Masonic Hall Marker (marker is in bottom right corner of the photo)

Credits. This page was last revised on June 9, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 4, 2026, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 14 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 4, 2026, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.