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

Remnants of the University of Nashville

Photographed By Ken Smith, April 6, 2012

1. Remnants of the University of Nashville Marker

Inscription. These Ionic column capitals once adorned the Cumberland College building constructed in 1806 just south of downtown Nashville. Originally founded in December 1785 as Davidson Academy (the nation's 15th college), Cumberland's charter was altered in 1826, changing its name to University of Nashville. In 1875, the State Normal School was founded by the Peabody Education Fund and was affiliated with the University of Nashville until 1909 when it was incorporated as George Peabody College for Teachers. In 1914 the college moved to this campus and in 1979 merged with Vanderbilt University.

Peabody College, founded in 1875 as the State Normal College, was originally affiliated with the University of Nashville which traced its roots to Davidson Academy, founded in 1785. This Plaque was displayed on the Gate Keeper's lodge, built in 1889 near the main entrance to the old “South Campus,” located on Market Street (today 2nd Avenue) and home to the University of Nashville, Montgomery Bell Academy, Peabody Normal School, and, later, Vanderbilt University's Medical and Dental Departments.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1785.

Location. 36° 8.534′ N, 86° 47.878′ W. Marker is in Nashville, Tennessee, in Davidson

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County. It is in Midtown. Marker can be reached from Edgehill Avenue south of Magnolia Circle, on the left when traveling west. Located on the Commons Lawn of the Peabody Campus. Access through the alley between Magnolia Circle and Appleton Place with Peabody Maintenance on the left and Mayborn Hall on the right. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Nashville TN 37203, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. University School of Nashville (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Federal Defenses (about 700 feet away); George Peabody College for Teachers (approx. 0.2 miles away); Roger Williams University (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Roger Williams University (approx. 0.2 miles away); Disciples of Christ Historical Society (approx. ¼ mile away); 1303 16th Avenue South/1225, 1227, 1301, 1303, 1305 16th Avenue South (approx. ¼ mile away); Betty Chiles Nixon (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Nashville.

Photographed By Ken Smith, April 6, 2012

2. Remnants of the University of Nashville Marker

Remnants of the University of Nashville image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Ken Smith, April 6, 2012

3. Remnants of the University of Nashville

Ionic column capitals

Cornerstone of the University of Nashville image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Ken Smith, April 6, 2012

4. Cornerstone of the University of Nashville

University of Nashville Founded 1785

Mayborn Hall on left & The Commons on right. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Ken Smith, April 6, 2012

5. Mayborn Hall on left & The Commons on right.

Photographed By Ken Smith, April 6, 2012

6. The Tower

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 9, 2012, by Ken Smith of Milan, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 887 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on April 9, 2012, by Ken Smith of Milan, Tennessee. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.