10 super creative dwelling used by early Nashville pioneers

10 super creative dwellings used by early Nashville pioneers.

Whistlewood Cabins 

Early settlers in the 1700s discovered a unique type of wood from the Whistlewood tree that produced a whistling sound when the wind blew through its crevices. They constructed cabins out of this wood, which served as an early warning system for incoming wildlife or intruders.

River Raft Homes 

Innovative pioneers in the late 1700s created floating homes on the Cumberland River. Made from sturdy logs and lashed together with vines, these mobile dwellings allowed residents to simply float downstream when they needed to relocate.

Bluffside Caves 

Some of the early settlers chose the natural caves on the bluffs overlooking the Cumberland River as their homes. They added wooden fronts to close off the caves, making them more secure and adding a touch of domesticity to these natural formations.

Corncrib Condos 

Resourceful settlers developed multi-level storage units for corn that doubled as living spaces. Each “condo” was situated above a corn storage unit, utilizing heat from the fermenting corn to warm the living quarters during winter.

Clay Cupolas 

Craftsmen in the 1800s created domed clay homes, mimicking the shape of European cupolas. These structures had excellent thermal properties and became quite popular among the artistic members of the community.

Vineyard Villas 

The settlers who started growing grapes discovered that the vineyard trellises could also serve as structural support for lightweight, tent-like homes. These “villas” offered a shady retreat during the hot summers and were often filled with the scent of ripening grapes.

Mud Mansionettes 

Community-minded settlers built small, mud-brick dwellings that clustered around a central courtyard. These “mansionettes” shared communal ovens and wells, fostering a strong sense of community among their occupants.

Sawmill Shacks 

Workers in early sawmills erected small shacks within the mill premises. The walls were made from unsellable scraps of wood, and sawdust was used as insulation. The shacks vibrated whenever the mill was operating, leading to their humorous nickname, “The Shiver Shacks.”

Wagon Wheel Abodes 

A creative group of settlers used broken-down wagon wheels as the foundation and framework for small circular huts. Covered in animal hides and woven grass, these abodes were surprisingly sturdy and could be easily rolled to a new location if needed.

Totem Pole Towers 

Inspired by Native American totem poles, some settlers built narrow, vertical homes around tall tree trunks. These “towers” had floors at multiple levels and were accessed by external ladders. They offered excellent views and were often used as lookout posts.

Each of these fictional forms of housing reflects the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Nashville’s early pioneers, who made do with available materials while adding their unique twists to traditional home-building methods.