Named after former army general Francis Nash, Nashville is a beautiful city set along the Cumberland River, north of the Nashville Basin. It is one of the most populated cities in the country, and for a good reason.

This southern city boasts a vibrant music scene, an array of historical landmarks and things to do awaiting exploration, high-end to casual eateries, private condos, wonderful gated communities, and fascinating culture, to mention a few. Those who want to learn more about this musical city can start with these fun facts about Nashville, Tennessee.

Nashville Is Home to the Largest Songwriter's Festival in the World

Thousands of songwriters and music fans flock to Nashville to participate in the famous Tin Pan South Festival every year. It is the world's largest song writer's event, held to celebrate songs and the brains behind the lyrics. The festival often lasts for five days and appreciates all music genres, including songs written by amateur composers globally.

Besides celebrating the art of songwriting, the Tin Pan South Festival helps songwriters better their trade. A seminar is often held during the first two days to discuss essential songwriting topics such as compelling songwriting. The seminar is also an opportunity for writers to network and receive honest opinions about their work from other songwriters and notable artists.

Because the Tin Pan South Festival attracts over 300 songwriters and features more than 90 shows, it often takes place in about 10 different venues across Nashville, including Elliston Place Soda Shop, the Bluebird Café, and The Listening Room Café. Dates vary each year, so check out their website for this year's date. The Tin Pan South Festival is organized by the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), which also happens to be one of the largest non-profit songwriter's trade organizations.

You Can Find One of the Only Egyptian Revival-Style Buildings in the U.S. in Nashville

The Egyptian Revival Style was one of the most famous architectural styles of the 19^th century, and Nashville is the only city in the country with a building in this design. The First Presbyterian Church in downtown Nashville was designed by William F. Strickland, a notable Philly architect who also happens to be the brains behind the Tennessee State Capitol.

The church, now famously known as the Downtown Presbyterian Church, features stained-glass windows and has rectangular inset panels, battered twin towers, cavetto cornices, bulging columns, entablature, and generally a solid blocky façade typical of the Egyptian Revival style architecture aesthetic. In 1917, the church commissioned Henry Closen Hibbs to expand the original building. Like the former architect, Hibbs also went with Egyptian revival architecture, clad the street's façade in dressed limestone, and added a chapel at the core of the building to create a round-coffered dome at the top.

Today, the historic building sits on Nashville's Fifth Avenue and is a national landmark for being an exceptional example of Egyptian revival architecture in the U.S. Besides its unique 19^th century architecture, the building boasts a rich history and even served as a hospital during the Civil War.

Nashville Lays Claim to the Longest-Running Live Music Radio Show

With about 5,000 shows and 96 years on air, Nashville's Grand Ole Opry is the longest-running live radio show globally. The first broadcast of the weekly country music show was in November 1925 when Geoge D. Hay, one of the most popular radio announcers in American history, launched it at WSM. It was initially known as The WSM Barn Dance but later changed to the Grand Ole Opry after the announcer jokingly referred to it that way because it went on air after a classical music show.

Although it's one of the most popular live music radio shows today, the Grand Ole Opry wasn't always appreciated. It began when Nashville was trying to depict a cultured front. As a result, many local leaders were against it because they felt the country music would hinder the progress. But as time went by, many Nashvillians embraced it and would turn up in numbers whenever there were live performances. The crowds got so huge that the show was eventually moved to a larger studio to accommodate the audience. Today, the Grand Ole Opry hosts famous country music celebrities like Carrie Underwood, Loretta Lynn, and Little Big Town every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday night.

The Blue Room Can Still Record on Vinyl

Nashville is a city of many only's. Besides having the only Egyptian-revival style building in the country, it is also home to United Records Pressing, one of the few remaining companies that still record on vinyl.

The company has a live venue space known as The Blue Room, and it's the only place on earth where one can directly record music on vinyl. It is inside Third Man Records on 623 7^th Avenue S and is often open to the public three nights a week during film screenings, stand-up comedy, special performances, and art shows.

As the name implies, the Blue Room has an intimate, dreamy blue ambiance and features a cozy outdoor patio where visitors can relax. The bar has live music, a regular guest DJ program, and even serves cocktails, wine, beer, and stuffed pretzels, making it an excellent hangout spot for locals and tourists alike.

The Blue Room hosts a weekly program known as the Blue Room Spotlight Series to celebrate established and upcoming musicians, poets, and other artists in and outside Nashville. Performances are often captured in 4K resolution by an in-house film expert, and all fans are always welcome.

Nashville Has More Ties to President Andrew Jackson Than One Might Expect

While Nashville has been and is home to a long list of distinguished people, the late Andrew Jackson is the most notable of them all. Interestedly nicknamed Old Hickory, Andrew Jackson was an army veteran, lawyer, and the seventh president of the United States. Old Hickory was born in Carolina, in the colonial frontier settlement of the Waxhaws, but moved to Nashville to pursue his career and political ambitions.

He later married Rachel Donelson Robards, daughter of John Donelson, a co-founder of Nashville, further strengthening his ties with music city. Andrew Jackson also bought a property in Nashville, which he renamed the Hermitage and turned into his local residence. Today, the property is open to the public and has a guitar-shaped driveway and an enchanting landscape. The Hermitage opens from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and ticket costs vary depending on where you'd like to explore. For instance, ground passes start at $18 for adults and unlock access to a historical garden, wildlife, Hermitage field quarters, and markers.

Discover More Little-Known Facts About Nashville

Nashville is most famous for its rich musical history, but there's more to it than just good tunes. This populous city lays claim to the only building with Egyptian revival architecture, the longest-running show, and the only studio on earth where you can directly create vinyl music.

It has also been home to one of the country's presidents and many other notable individuals. At the same time, Nashville is one of the most developed cities in the country, meaning it has all the urban amenities one may need. Finding a great place to live is also easy, thanks to the countless condos, townhomes, gated communities, and, generally, a wide variety of home options available.

If the opportunities of Nashville excite you, contact The Ashton Real Estate Group of RE/MAX Advantage with Nashville's MLS at (615) 603-3602 to get in touch with local real estate agents who can help find the perfect Nashville home for you today.