Tennessee is a state steeped in history, one that has stores of local and national monuments and memorials that dig deep in the past of our great nation. These seven monuments are definitely some of the best known, and we find them to be beautiful and inspiring for their nod to the past, the way things once were. How many have you visited? Did we miss a few? Make sure to leave your thoughts and comments below – we’d love to hear how you honor your great state!
- Elvis Presley Statue
Marie Desjardins - TripAdvisor Although this statue does boast the “monument” moniker, the Beale Street facet is still a memorial to the King of Rock ’n Roll. Elvis was born in Mississippi, but his adopted state of Tennessee became his true home and he is beloved by many.
- Alex Haley Heritage Square
Brent Moore - Flickr You can find the Alex Haley Heritage Square in Morningside Park in East Knoxville, and it’s known for boasting the only existing 13-foot high bronze statue of Alex Haley. The Pulitzer Prize winner was honored during the Bicentennial in 1996.
- Hazen Brigade Monument
Patty L - TripAdvisor You can find the Hazen Brigade Monument in the Hazen Brigade Cemetery in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. It’s actually the oldest American Civil War monument that still stands in its original battlefield location. It marks the defense campaign during the Battle of Stones River.
- Dolly Parton Statue
daisyferrant1 - TripAdvisor Although this is definitely not a memorial, the famed Dolly Parton statue is a monument to the Queen of East Tennessee.
- Meriwether Lewis Park & Monument
Ron Gilbert - Flickr Located in Hohenwald, Meriwether Lewis is honored with a monument that honored the explorer. Lewis was highly influential in westward expansion, and his memorial marker was actually crafted in 1848, making it incredible that it’s still in such great condition!
- Battle of Nashville Monument Park
Michael Hicks - Flickr This massive monument honors the sacrifice of both Union and Confederate soldiers who lost their lives in the 1864 Battle of Nashville. You can find it tucked away off of Granny White Pike.
- Patsy Cline Plane Crash Memorial
Brent Moore - Flickr Patsy Cline lost her life in a 1963 plane crash that claimed the lives of Cowboy Copas, Hawkshaw Hawkins and the pilot, Randy Hughes, as they sought to return to Nashville from Kansas City. You can still find a large engraved rock on the assumed Camden crash site, honoring the great talent that was lost that stormy night.
You can continue to learn about our favorite state with a visit to this south Nashville heritage trail. It’s an incredible walk back in time, and you’re bound to learn something beautiful and new.
Marie Desjardins - TripAdvisor
Although this statue does boast the “monument” moniker, the Beale Street facet is still a memorial to the King of Rock ’n Roll. Elvis was born in Mississippi, but his adopted state of Tennessee became his true home and he is beloved by many.
Brent Moore - Flickr
You can find the Alex Haley Heritage Square in Morningside Park in East Knoxville, and it’s known for boasting the only existing 13-foot high bronze statue of Alex Haley. The Pulitzer Prize winner was honored during the Bicentennial in 1996.
Patty L - TripAdvisor
You can find the Hazen Brigade Monument in the Hazen Brigade Cemetery in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. It’s actually the oldest American Civil War monument that still stands in its original battlefield location. It marks the defense campaign during the Battle of Stones River.
daisyferrant1 - TripAdvisor
Although this is definitely not a memorial, the famed Dolly Parton statue is a monument to the Queen of East Tennessee.
Ron Gilbert - Flickr
Located in Hohenwald, Meriwether Lewis is honored with a monument that honored the explorer. Lewis was highly influential in westward expansion, and his memorial marker was actually crafted in 1848, making it incredible that it’s still in such great condition!
Michael Hicks - Flickr
This massive monument honors the sacrifice of both Union and Confederate soldiers who lost their lives in the 1864 Battle of Nashville. You can find it tucked away off of Granny White Pike.
Patsy Cline lost her life in a 1963 plane crash that claimed the lives of Cowboy Copas, Hawkshaw Hawkins and the pilot, Randy Hughes, as they sought to return to Nashville from Kansas City. You can still find a large engraved rock on the assumed Camden crash site, honoring the great talent that was lost that stormy night.
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