Historical Points of Interest
Northern Route
Old Lock #2
The second of nine locks constructed upstream from Nashville. It first went into operation in 1907 and was not phased out of service until Cheatham Lock was completed in 1952.
Abandoned Coffer Dam at Neely's Bend
About 1.5 miles upstream of Old Lock #2, you will see the remains of a timber coffer dam. The dam was originally built for the construction of Lock #2 in 1891. It was abandoned and moved to its new site - Old Lock #2.
John Hartford's Navigational Light
Named after three-time Grammy-winning singer/songwriter, John Hartford. Hartford is noted for a career of songs dedicated to American rivers, such as Down on the River (the General Jackson theme song), Gentle on My Mind and Old Time River Man among many others. The light is located at river mile 200.7 and the Hartford House is at mile 200.8.
Southern Route
Edgar Allen Poe Navigational Light and Dayboard
Named after the late Captain E.A. Poe who, along with Captain William Howell, served as the first captain of the General Jackson when it began service at Gaylord Opryland in 1985. The light is located at river mile 196.5.
Demonbreun's Cave
Timothy Demonbreun, a white settler in the Nashville area, took refuge from Indians in this cave in the 1770s. Demonbreun navigated the river from south of St. Louis.
Waterworks Intake Tower
This imposing structure is often mistaken for a lighthouse or other navigational aid but until 1986 it was the water intake tower for Omohundro Waterworks.
Shelby Park
Shelby Park opened to the public July 4, 1912. Major E.C. Lewis prepared the plans for park development, designing the Sycamore Lodge (opened August 24, 1912), the Mission House, several log cabins and various other park features. The park consists of 361.5 acres and features many other exciting landmarks.
Shelby Street Bridge
Built in 1909.
Nashville's Riverfront Park
The first phase was dedicated July 1983 and was completed in 1986. It is the focal point of many citywide events including a spectacular fireworks display every Fourth of July. The General Jackson was christened here July 2, 1985.
LP Field
Located on the east back of the Cumberland River, this is the home stadium of the Tennessee Titans NFL football team. The coliseum was built in 1999 costing $298 million. Enjoy a lively Tailgate Cruise to the big game aboard the General Jackson Showboat.
Fort Nashborough
This is the site where John Donelson brought a flotilla of keelboats carrying the wives and children of Nashville's first settlers. They arrived in January 1780 and built log cabins inside a log fortress on the riverbank.