Nashville, Indiana

 

Settlement of land in and around Nashville began with the acquisition of land from native populations under the 1809 Treaty of Fort Wayne. This was expanded with more acquisitions under the 1818 Treaty of St. Mary's. By 1840 area population had grown to more than 2,300. The first Nashville courthouse was constructed in 1837 and a jail was added in the same year. The town was officially incorporated in 1872. By the turn of the century, heavy logging in the area had caused significant deforestation which resulted in significant erosion problems. The population shrunk over the span of several decades and did not recover to 1890 levels until 90 years later in 1980.

Entrance to a shop in the Bartley House

With the opening of a rail station six miles away in Helmsburg, Indiana the area became more accessible to travelers and tourists. A number of writers told the world about the beauties of the community and the nature of the quaint village of Nashville, and the foundations of the artists colony were made. Artists from around the country began to make Nashville their home. Among the earlier artist settlers were T. C. Steele and Adolph Schulz.

Today, Nashville boasts a thriving tourist industry based upon the original works of resident artists and upon the area's natural beauty. Nearby Brown County State Park is visited by more than a million people per year, many of whom come to see resplendent fall colors in the trees of the forests in the park and its environs.

Brown County & Nashville, Indiana History

Shopping and entertainment

Some of the unique shops in an area of Nashville called 'Antique Alley'

Nashville is known for its unique shopping experience, with hundreds of specialty, antique, crafts and other art shops often with the artists working in shop demonstrating their trade. As a result, Nashville is often viewed as an artists colony and many artists call this community home. Artworks on exhibit and sale include watercolor, sculpture, stained glass, blown glass, hand carved furniture, custom jewelry and one of a kind perfumes.

Nashville is also host to a number of entertainment venues. Among them are the Little Nashville Opry, Coachlight Theatre and the Brown County Playhouse. The latter is operated by Indiana University—Bloomington, and some fine actors and actresses have performed on this stage including Peter Sellars, the Royal Shakespeare Company and Kevin Kline.

Nashville & Brown County, Indiana Shopping

Nashville & Brown County, Indiana Entertainment

Art Galleries

Nashville Indiana is home to many wonderful artists. It isn't unusual to see artists at work on any given day of the week. The various Brown County shops and art galleries give visitors the opportunity to meet the artists in person, and share creative thoughts and ideas.

"The Art Colony of the Midwest"tm Brown County, Indiana