NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee State Capitol, one of the most iconic structures in Nashville, stands as a testament to the vision and perseverance of those who brought it to life. Its walls, intricately adorned with portraits and rich in history, tell the stories of the men and women who shaped its construction. Among them are two figures whose presence is woven into the Capitol’s very foundation: Samuel Morgan, a prominent Nashville businessman, and William Strickland, the renowned architect behind the building’s design.
These two men are more than just names on a page or faces on painted canvases hanging inside the Capitol. Their legacy is literally embedded within the structure itself, an eternal part of the building they helped bring into being. Morgan and Strickland’s contributions to the Capitol remain ever-present, not just in the history books but in the physical space that continues to serve as the seat of Tennessee’s government.
Jeff Sellers, Director of Education and Community Engagement at the Tennessee State Museum, is intimately familiar with these stories. He has compiled images and narratives of the Capitol’s history in a book that helps bring its past to life for visitors and citizens alike. According to Sellers, the Capitol is not just a historical monument but a source of pride for all Tennesseans.
“We all own this building as Tennesseans, and it’s one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in the state,” Sellers said.
When Tennessee’s leaders envisioned the Capitol in the early 1800s, they sought a building that would reflect the grandeur and significance of their state. They wanted an architect of national renown to ensure the Capitol would stand as a crowning achievement of their time. In Morgan, a wealthy merchant and commissioner of the Capitol project, they found a man who was both deeply invested in the vision and willing to do whatever it took to see it completed. He hired Strickland, an architect already celebrated for designing notable structures in Philadelphia, including The Second Bank of the United States and the Merchants Exchange.
Strickland, driven by the desire to create a legacy-defining structure, poured his heart into the Capitol’s design. His commitment went beyond mere architectural achievement. In fact, he requested to be buried in the very building he created and even designed his own tomb. His wish was granted after his death in 1854, when he was entombed at a prominent location in the Capitol — near its northeast cornerstone, symbolizing both his personal contribution and the enduring significance of the structure.
“Within a few months, he was on the steps of the Nashville post office… walking up the steps and he slumped over,” Sellers recalled. Strickland passed away suddenly in 1854, but his entombment within the Capitol was a fitting tribute to his role in shaping the building’s future.
The history of the Capitol is not just a story of architects and commissioners. It is also the story of the enslaved individuals, free workers, and prisoners who contributed to its construction over the 14 years it took to complete. The workers, whose efforts were long overshadowed, are now being acknowledged as a crucial part of the building’s legacy. This year, Tennessee lawmakers passed a resolution to recognize and honor the 15 enslaved persons who helped construct the Capitol, a long-overdue acknowledgment of their labor and sacrifices.
Morgan, too, played an integral role in the building’s creation. His commitment to the Capitol’s success extended beyond overseeing its construction. Sellers noted that Morgan’s relationship with Strickland was one of respect, despite occasional disagreements. “Morgan respected Strickland for his design, and Strickland depended on Morgan to get the appropriations from the General Assembly needed to finish the project,” Sellers explained.
Morgan’s involvement didn’t end with the Capitol’s completion. His legacy, too, is forever enshrined in the building. After his death in 1881, Morgan’s remains were entombed in the south portico of the Capitol in a ceremony attended by the state’s General Assembly. The event took place on Christmas Eve, a moment of solemn significance marking the lasting bond between Morgan and the Capitol he helped create.
Today, the Tennessee State Capitol stands as one of the oldest working Capitol buildings in the United States, a reflection of the state’s commitment to preserving its history. For generations, Tennesseans have worked to maintain the building, ensuring that its legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
“The generations of Tennesseans who have committed themselves to preserving this beautiful building are a testament to the importance we place on our history,” Sellers said.
The Capitol’s enduring beauty and the stories contained within its walls are a reminder that history is not just preserved in books but in the very structures that define a place. As Tennessee continues to honor the contributions of those who helped build the Capitol — including those who were enslaved, free, or imprisoned — the building remains a symbol of both Tennessee’s past and its ongoing commitment to remembering all those who shaped its future.
