Tennessee State Library and Archives, The Tennessee State Library and Archives is a repository of books and records of historical, documentary, and reference value
The Tennessee State Library and Archives is an archive and library facility in Nashville that collects and preserves important historical documents from Tennessee. The building houses original records such as constitutions, letters from former presidents, diaries of Civil War soldiers, old newspapers, maps, and court records spanning more than a century.
The building was constructed many years ago and has long stood on the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its significance as a historical site. Over time, it grew from an archive location into a major source for Tennessee history and was placed under the administration of the Tennessee Secretary of State.
The library is where Tennessee's stories live through their original documents, and visitors feel a direct connection to the people and events of the past. The quiet atmosphere inside invites you to take time and linger over the details that show how life unfolded in Tennessee.
Visiting is free and you can walk through the collections or view digital copies on computers on site. Free parking is available in a garage run by the library, for which visitors need to request a special library card at the front desk.
The facility preserves original records of the State of Franklin, a short-lived territory that represents an early chapter in Tennessee history. These rare documents show the complex and long development of the region and hold special value for visitors interested in the foundational origins of the state.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
