Historic Locations
Tennessee is rich in history, offering numerous historic locations that provide a glimpse into the past. One of the state's most significant historic sites is The Hermitage, the plantation home of President Andrew Jackson, located near Nashville. Visitors can tour the mansion and grounds, learning about Jackson’s life and the history of the early 19th century. In Memphis, Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley, is a must-visit for music fans and history buffs alike, offering a unique look into the life of the King of Rock 'n' Roll. Civil War history is also prominent in Tennessee, with battlefields like Shiloh National Military Park and Stones River National Battlefield preserving the memory of pivotal conflicts. Additionally, the town of Franklin offers walking tours that delve into its Civil War history and well-preserved 19th-century architecture. In East Tennessee, the town of Jonesborough, the state’s oldest town, showcases beautifully preserved historic buildings and is known for its storytelling tradition. From presidential homes to battlefields, Tennessee’s historic locations offer a deep and diverse look into America's past.
Rippavilla Plantation
Rippa Villa, built in 1855, was one of the premier farms in Middle Tennessee. On November 29, 1864, the home and the families who lived there found themselves in the middle of one of the most dramatic events of the Civil War.
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum
Sun Studio
Take a guided tour of the most famous recording studio in the world, the Legendary Sun Studio, the "Birthplace of Rock ‘n' Roll," where the blending of blues and country music exploded in the big bang of rock ‘n' roll heard around the world. Founder Sam Phillips, a self-taught producer, didn't know the rules, so he broke them all, blending musical styles, cranking up that amp and using lots of echo to create a new kind of music that rocked the world.Then came a shy teenager with a cheap guitar, a kid with big hair and the unlikely name of Elvis. He had a little fun with a tune called "That's All Right," that sounded like no blues song ever before.Add Jerry Lee Lewis, pounding the piano like a madman; Carl Perkins, with his one-of-a-kind rhythm licks; and Johnny Cash, who blended country and pop music like no one ever had. With that group, you have not only a world-shaking musical revolution but also the basis of an award-winning Broadway Show, The Million Dollar Quartet. We offer a free shuttle to and from Graceland.
Stax Museum of American Soul Music
The legacy of Stax Records is a unique one that spans more than half a century. Stax Records is critical in American music history as it's one of the most popular soul music record labels of all time.