Loading map...

1968 Map of Nashville West

Name: 1968 Topographic Map of Nashville West
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1984
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1984

About this map

Nashville is defined by the sweeping bends of the Cumberland River, which serves as both an industrial corridor and a geographic anchor for the city's westward expansion. This mid-century view captures a dense educational and institutional landscape, featuring the historic campuses of Fisk University, Vanderbilt University, and Meharry Medical College. The urban core is tightly packed with civic landmarks like the Municipal Auditorium and the Federal Bldg, while the riverbanks host essential utilities such as the Sewage Disposal plants and the Lock One Park.

The city's social and corrective history is visible through the presence of the State Penitentiary and the State Prison for Women, located near the river's edge. Beyond the downtown grid, the map shows the emerging suburban character of Bordeaux and Charlotte Park, separated by the winding course of Richland Creek. Institutional landmarks like St Marys Orphanage and the VA Hospital are situated among established neighborhoods, while the Seaboard System rail lines and the complex web of interstate interchanges point to the city's role as a primary transportation hub for Tennessee.