Donelson is more than just a zip code to me: it is the backdrop of my family’s history for three generations. From my grandmother’s arrival in 1967 during the post-war suburban boom to my own life today on Knobview Drive, our story is woven into the fabric of these streets. This is the story of how Kimberly Drive, Blue Hills Court, Surrey Road, and Knobview have shaped a family, and why I believe Donelson remains the most authentic heart of Nashville.
Donelson History
The Very Beginning
Colonel John Donelson and his group arrived at Clover Bottom on the Stones River. It was a rough start. They tried to plant corn but had to deal with major flooding and conflicts before eventually moving toward what became downtown Nashville.
The Battle of Buchanan’s Station
One of the most pivotal survival stories in Nashville history happened right here in our backyard. Major John Buchanan and a tiny group of settlers successfully defended their fort against a massive force of hundreds of Native American warriors. This victory was essential for the long term safety of the early Cumberland settlements.
It must be acknowledged that Donelson, and the rest of Nashville, sits on the traditional, ancestral lands of the Cherokee, Shawnee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, and Muscogee (Creek) peoples. Learn more about the Native lands we inhabit.
The Oldest Neighbors
Two of the most historic structures in the county were built during this brief window. The Buchanan Log House (built by James Buchanan) and the McCampbell House (originally the home of William Hall) represent some of the earliest architecture in the region.
Fun Fact: The McCampbell House is a rare example of a "Tennessee Federal" style brick home from the frontier era.
Racing at Clover Bottom
Before he was President, Andrew Jackson (yeah, that guy) co-owned a store and a tavern at Clover Bottom. He also ran a famous racetrack there.
A dispute over a horse race at this very spot actually led to the duel where Jackson killed Charles Dickinson (#toxicmasculinity). (Can we agree that duels are dumb and immature, sir?)
The Mansion Era
The mid nineteenth century saw the construction of our most famous landmarks. Clover Bottom Mansion was completed in 1858 and Two Rivers Mansion was built in 1859. Two Rivers earned its name because it sits on a bluff between the Cumberland and Stones Rivers. It was owned by the McGavock family, who were basically the local royalty of the time.
The Legend of the Todd’s Knoblin
Did you know Donelson has its very own 19th-century cryptid? Back in the early 1800s, local farmers around Todd’s Knob (the hill in central Donelson) were so spooked by mysterious nighttime sightings and missing livestock that they would lock their shutters at dusk! They even left out offerings of apples and corn just to keep the creature happy. The wild part is that no two witnesses could ever agree on what the "Knoblin" actually looked like. Descriptions ranged from a giant catfish to a horned mountain lion, but everyone agreed on one creepy detail: its shadow never matched its silhouette. It is a fantastic piece of spooky neighborhood lore that was almost lost to history!
Berry Field Takes Flight
What we now know as Nashville International Airport (BNA) officially opened as Berry Field. It started as a relatively small airfield with a humble terminal building. It is amazing to see how that 300 acre field evolved into the massive global hub it is today.
Tennessee School for the Blind
The special state school moved from its downtown Nashville location to its current 115 acre campus in Donelson. The campus was built on the grounds of the old Clover Bottom farm. It remains a cornerstone of the neighborhood, providing essential services for students from all over the state.
Donelson Plaza Opens
Donelson Plaza opened in 1961 as one of the very first shopping centers in the region. It quickly became the "downtown" for 37214 residents. It was the place where everyone went to see movies, buy clothes, and get groceries. My mom has told me so many stories about shopping at Castnor Knot, getting a shake at Woolsorths, or going to the A&P for groceries. (Hey developers: We need a bodega at the Plaza! Somewhere to grab quick essentials.)
Donelzon Plaza, 1972
The original Donelson Library opens
The classic, mid-century Donelson branch of the library opened in 1966, serving the community for nearly six decades. I remember spending many hours in the children’s section when I lived here in the late 80s.
My family moves to Donelson
My family’s Donelson story began when Granni moved the family to Kimberly Drive in 1967. This was the era when Donelson was transitioning from farmland into one of Nashville’s first true suburbs. While the neighborhood was establishing its mid-century identity, my grandmother was establishing our family’s roots in the 37214.
Growing up in the Gateway
As the neighborhood expanded, so did my family. My mother attended McGavock High School the first year it opened (1971), becoming part of the legacy of one of the most historic school clusters in Metro Nashville. McGavock was the first high school in Nashville to combine an academic program with extensive vocational training! To this day, the sense of community found in the McGavock area remains a cornerstone of what makes living here so special.
Opryland USA opens!
Opryland USA opened in 1972 putting Donelson on the international map. The theme park was a "musical showplace" that celebrated American music and brought millions of visitors to the area. My mom actually worked at Opryland that first summer!
The Grand Ole Opry moves
Then, on March 16, 1974, the Grand Ole Opry made the historic move from the Ryman Auditorium to the new Opry House. To maintain the "Mother Church" spirit, a six foot circle of wood was cut from the Ryman stage and installed at the center of the new venue. This circle is where every performer stands today.
The Opryland Hotel opens
Opening in 1977 as a 580-room property built to support the Grand Ole Opry, Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center has evolved into the largest non-casino hotel in the United States.
New Beginnings
Though I was born in California, my parents moved us back to Tennessee to be closer to family when I was 3. They bought and renovated a house on Blue Hills Court. I attended pre-K at the Donelson Church of Christ and played t-ball in a local league.
The Pennington Years
I started kindergarten at Pennington Elementary in the fall of 1990. My brother was born in early 1991. In the summer of 1992, my family prepared for a move to Florida, selling our house. But then they rented a house at the end of Knobview Drive so I could finish first grade. Our Knobview chapter was short but it planted a seed that would eventually bring me back.
Opryland USA closes
A major blow for tourists and locals alike, the iconic theme park closed its gates to make room for a new retail development.
Opry Mills & Regal Cinema open
Opry Mills officially brought "shoppertainment" to Nashville when it opened on May 11, 2000, on the legendary site of the former Opryland USA theme park. This super regional mall totally broke the mold with a unique circular layout and themed 'neighborhoods' that celebrated Nashville's musical heritage. It combined high-end outlets with novelty destination anchors like Bass Pro Shops (which is still there!) and the Gibson Bluegrass Showcase, plus immersive dining spots like the Rainforest Cafe and Aquarium Restaurant (both of which are still there today).
A massive milestone for local film fans was the debut of the Regal Opry Mills Stadium 20 and IMAX, which was custom built for a 70mm projector. As my husband likes to remind us frequently, this cinema remains one of the rare theaters in the country capable of showing 15/70mm film, making it a major draw for epic large format releases even decades later (and every Christopher Nolan movie).
Fun Fact: Christopher Nolan personally funded repairs to the theater's cooling and projection systems to ensure local fans could experience his cinematic releases exactly as intended.
The 100 year flood
The 2010 flood hit the city of Nashville incredibly hard. But Donelson had it particularly rough: the Cumberland and Stones Rivers rose to record levels putting the Opry House, the hotel, and the mall all underwater.
Check out this archive for photos of the historic disaster.
Back to Donelson!
After years away, the pull of the neighborhood was too strong to ignore. My first home as an adult was located just south of Downtown Donelson, catty-corner to the historic McCampbell house. It felt right to be back among the landmarks I knew as a child.
Back to my roots
Eventually, life came full circle: We found a dream ranch house in central Donelson and it just so happened to be on the very same street where I briefly lived decades ago. My son was born here, the fourth generation to live in the 37214.
SoundWaves splashes into town
2018 saw the opening of SoundWaves, a massive 4 acre indoor and outdoor water park right at the Gaylord Opryland Resort. This was a high end addition that brought a modern, upscale vibe to the resort's legendary hospitality. It has quickly become a favorite for local staycations and a major reason why the 37214 remains a top destination for travelers.
The new Donelson library opens!
The most exciting milestone for our neighborhood!! Serving as the primary anchor for the reimagined Donelson Plaza, this facility is a beautiful example of how we are evolving into a more walkable and connected community. I love being able to walk to this incredible facility.
The Next Chapter
We are seeing a total revitalization of the Donelson Plaza area with the new library and the focus on the Music City Star. I love seeing Downtown Donelson become more walkable every day!
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Do you have a Donelson legacy story?
We love hearing from families who have been in the 37214 for decades, as well as those who are just starting their first chapter here. Reach out and share your favorite neighborhood memories!