Sep 26, 2024 - Things to Do

That time famous bank robbers called Nashville home

Nate Rau

The historic marker and property where members of the James Gang were apprehended — The historic marker and Whites Creek property where a member of the James Gang was apprehended. Photo: Nate Rau/Axios

In the early 1880s, perhaps the biggest celebrities in the country made a historic pit stop in Nashville.

The James Gang, led by brothers Jesse and Frank James, and their families lived Nashville.

Why it matters: The National Trust for Historic Preservation summarizes the grip the James Gang held over the nation: "Jesse's boldness and flamboyance as a bank and train robber, combined with sensational publicity from newspapers and dime novels, soon made his name a household word."

Flashback: A historic marker in Whites Creek tells an intriguing chapter in the James Gang's story.

The property, now home to Vintage Creek clothing boutique, was a combination saloon and grocery in March 1881 when magistrate W.W. Earthman arrested an "indiscreet member of the gang," according to the historic marker.
The James brothers evaded arrest, leaving town with their families the next day.

Worthy of your time: Historical markers across the country trace the gang's famous heists and close calls with the law.

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That time famous bank robbers called Nashville home

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