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Nashville History - 1786 To 1860

Nashville History-1786 to 1860

1786 - The first store or shop for the sale of merchandise was opened in Nashville in 1786 by Lardner Clark. Clark brought his goods from Philadelphia packed on ten horses. The store contained assorted items such as cheap calicoes, unbleached linens, and coarse woolens. He also operated a tavern out of the same establishment selling liquors to the local citizens. With little or no money in the early settlement, Clark took pelts in exchange for goods.

1785 – The first physician set up shop in Nashville, Dr. John Sappington, maker and vendor of "Sappington's Pills." Considered a "panacea for all the ills that flesh is heir to; but, the secret being discovered, the pills lost all reputation and Dr. Sappington his practice." History of Nashville. Pg. 89.

1787 – Nashville had approximately 6 "framed and hewn log houses and some twenty or thirty log cabins." Another tavern opened to accommodate the growing population. The court decided to regulate the business of tippling and grog-selling. "One-half a pint of whisky, such as will sink tallow, shall sell for 2s.; a bowl of toddy, made with loaf-sugar and whisky, 3s. 6d.; one quart bowl of punch, with fruit, 10s.; dinner and grog, 4s. 6d." Taxes of the same year were to be paid one-fourth in corn, one-half in beef, venison, or pork, one-eighth in money. Prices for these were: corn, 2s. 8d. per bushel; good, fat bear meat, 4d. per pound; fine buffalo beef, 3d.; good venison, 9d.; dried beef, 6d.; and salt, 2s. 4d. per pound. The 26 town lots had been sold in 1787 and were taxed one dollar each, revenue of $26. History of Nashville, pg. 90.

1788 - The most popular and aristocratic tavern in Nashville was kept by "Black Bob," a Negro who continued to do a flourishing business for many years, and at whose house, it is said, General Jackson, who arrived in Nashville in the fall of 1788, was a frequent guest. Jackson had been commissioned by the governor of N.C. as...