Downtown in Nashville in Davidson County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Colonel James Robertson
Photographed By Kathy Walker, October 24, 2009
1. Colonel James Robertson Marker
Colonel James Robertson
Born 1742 in Virginia
Died 1814 in Tennessee
He came from eastern North Carolina to the Watauga Settlement in what is now eastern Tennessee 1769-1770, where he was a leader in Civil and Indian Affairs.
Conducted the "Land Party" of settlers to the French Lick in 1779-1780, built this fort Nashborough and defended it in all the various Indian attacks. Remained with the colony when many had forsaken it during a period of great stress, suffering and discouragement, and gave to it a whole life-time of patriotic service.
The verdict of history well entitles him the name of: "The Father of West (now Middle) Tennessee" and the "Founder of Nashville."
"He possessed to an eminent degree the confidence and esteem of all his contemporaries, and merited all the eulogium and affection which the most ardent of his countrymen have ever bestowed upon him.. His services in peace and war are gratefully remembered."
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Forts and Castles • Wars, US Indian. A significant historical year for this entry is 1742.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 36° 9.855′
this page online
We have been informed that this sign or monument is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Fort Nashborough (here, next to this marker); The Cumberland Settlements (a few steps from this marker); The Bluff Station (a few steps from this marker); River Cane (a few steps from this marker); The Cumberland Compact (a few steps from this marker); Colonel John Donelson (a few steps from this marker); Colonel Richard Henderson (a few steps from this marker); The First Peoples (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Nashville.
More about this marker. In 2015, Fort Nashborough was demolished and rebuilt. The newly-reconstructed Fort Nashborough opened in 2017, and unfortunately, this marker was not reinstalled.
Internet Archive
2. James Robertson
from The Biographical Dictionary of America, 1906, by Rossiter Johnson.
Photographed By Kathy Walker, October 24, 2009
3. Colonel James Robertson Marker
Photographed By Denise Boose, July 11, 2012
4. Colonel James Robertson Marker
Photographed By Kathy Walker, October 24, 2009
5. Fort Nashborough entrance
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 8, 2009, by Kathy Walker of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,575 times since then and 56 times this year. Last updated on December 26, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. Photos: 1. submitted on November 8, 2009, by Kathy Walker of Stafford, Virginia. 2. submitted on July 5, 2018, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 3. submitted on November 9, 2009, by Kathy Walker of Stafford, Virginia. 4. submitted on September 10, 2012, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. 5. submitted on November 9, 2009, by Kathy Walker of Stafford, Virginia. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
