Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
After sustaining significant damage in the May 2010 flood, the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park's 31 "Rivers of Tennessee" fountains are now re-opened to the public. The recovery process included a complete redesign with upgrades to meet current health code standards, and installation of LED lights, allowing the fountains to be illuminated in stunning colors. We are pleased to invite the public to come enjoy the Bicentennial Mall fountains once again.
Park Rangers provide interpretive tours of the park, historical presentations in period dress and off-site programs by reservation. Topics illustrate Tennessee's rich history from early settlement days to present time. To schedule an interpretive tour, presentation or off-site program, please call 615-741-5771.
With the urban building boom in downtown Nashville during the late 1950s and early 1960s, the Tennessee State Capitol disappeared from sight on the east, west and south sides. The northern side of the Capitol was not conducive to the construction of skyscrapers due to the swampy conditions that existed in many areas between the Capitol and the Cumberland River. Ironically, the historic French Lick that attracted wildlife, Indians, trappers and settlers to what would become Nashville also preserved the remaining view of the Capitol and became the home of the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. In order to save the one remaining view of the Capitol and to commemorate Tennessee's 200th birthday, the concept of a mall similar to the one in Washington, DC, took shape.
Here are some historical features to look for when you visit Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park:
- Zero Mile Marker
- Small Tennessee Granite Maps
- Tennessee Map Plaza
- The Railroad Trestle
- The Rivers of Tennessee Fountains
- Tennessee Flags
- Pathway of History
- World War II Memorial
- Carillons and the Court of 3 Stars
- CCC Memorial
- The Walkway of Counties
- Path of Volunteers
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