Elm Hill Pike may be an industrial artery now, but it was once a main thoroughfare with a rich history. The road has connections to the very earliest white settlers and one of the most prominent Black businessmen following the Civil War. In this episode, we explore the related stories of Preston Taylor and James Buchanan. But first, we answer a Curious Nashville question asked by listener Chad Smith:
“Elm Hill Pike is very hilly. Where is the actual elm hill?”
The investigation pushed WPLN’s Blake Farmer to hop on a bike and ride the length of the road in search of Elm Hill. The journey takes him to a dead end across the county line — but that doesn’t mean the answer is elusive.
Submit your Curious Nashville question during the show by calling 615-760-2000.
Guests:
- Edward Robinson, author of “To Pave the Way for His People: A Life of Preston Taylor“
- Lu Whitworth, Buchanan-Whitworth family historian and spokesperson for Buchanan Log House
Further reading:
- Touring Elm Hill Pike [Nashville Historical Newsletter]
- A History of the Buchanan Log House [Nashville Historical Newsletter]
- Preston Taylor [Putting Them on the Map]
On Air - 90.3 WPLN-FM