Nashville, the capital of Tennessee and seat of Davidson County, is located on the Cumberland River in the north central part of the state. The city has a population of 510,784 (1990 census), and its metropolitan area has a population of 985,026 (1990 census). Rainfall averages 1,170 mm (46 in) annually. The mean temperature in July is 80 degrees, and that of January is 37 degrees. Interstate highways, railroads, and numerous commercial airlines serve the city. Nashville is frequented by tourists, many of whom visit the popular entertainment complex Opryland U.S.A., home of the Grand Old Opry.

An important manufacturing center, Nashville produces chemicals, food products, shoes, machinery, automobile glass, metal products, apparel, textiles, airplane parts, and tires. The city has the nation's second largest recording industry and produces the largest volume of country music records. Nashville is also a major publishing center, particularly for religious literature. In 1963 the city and county governments were consolidated under a single charter providing for a mayor as administrative head and a 40-member legislative council. Because of its many educational institutions and numerous buildings constructed in Greek Revival style, Nashville has been called the "Athens of the South." A replica of the Athenian Parthenon, built in 1897, commemorates Tennessee's statehood. Among the city's institutions of higher learning are Vanderbilt University and Fisk University. The tomb of President James K. Polk is on the grounds of the state capital which was completed in 1855. About 12 miles east of the city is the Hermitage, President Andrew Jackson's home.

Nashville was founded in 1779 as Fort Nashborough in honor of the Revolutionary War general Francis Nash; it was renamed Nashville in 1784. It grew rapidly during the 19th century to become a thriving trade center with an extensive system of early turnpikes and railroads used to bring produce to the Cumberland River for shipment to the Ohio. In 1843 it was made the permanent capitol of Tennessee.