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How This Historic Nashville Hotel Became the Epicenter of the Women's Suffrage Movement

Photo credit: Lisa Diederich
Photo credit: Lisa Diederich

From Veranda

The 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment takes place on Tuesday, August 18, 2020, and The Hermitage Hotel in Nashville is celebrating the historic win for women in our country and the pivotal role the hotel played in the summer of 1920 leading up to its ratification. In the final days before the 19th Amendment was ratified, Tennessee was the final vote needed to deliver the 36th state victory for this federal decision. The Hermitage Hotel quickly became an illustrious backdrop for pro- and anti-suffragists, lobbyists, and legislators to campaign and struggle at in one place.

Photo credit: Lisa Diederich
Photo credit: Lisa Diederich

Those for and against women's suffrage differentiated themselves with pro-suffragists wearing yellow roses and anti-suffragists wearing red, leading to the hotel's nickname, "The War of the Roses." Telegrams sent to The Hermitage once the decision was made in favor of women's suffrage are proudly on display in the hotel's lobby, and this year, the Hermitage Hotel is celebrating the ratification of the 19th Amendment's first centennial with experiences, programming, events, and menus throughout the summer (and some throughout the remainder of 2020). From special vacation packages to a women's suffrage–themed cocktail menu, discover all the incredible ways to celebrate the 100th anniversary of women's suffrage below.

Photo credit: The Hermitage Hotel
Photo credit: The Hermitage Hotel

Suffrage High Tea | Beginning June 18 and every Thursday through Sunday through the end of August

The beginnings of the Women’s Suffrage Movement started over a simple afternoon tea among five women discussing moral and political injustices toward women. Soon, it became the launching platform as the movement gained momentum, allowing women a place to gather and organize their efforts in advancing the cause. A century later, the hotel invites both visitors and locals alike to experience a suffrage tea on their veranda and learn about the events that transpired inside the hotel leading up to the ratification of the 19th Amendment.

Suffrage-Themed Craft Cocktail Menu | Throughout all of 2020 at Oak Bar

In the summer of 1920, pro- and anti-suffragists lobbied the men of Capitol Hill inside the Oak Bar in The Hermitage Hotel. Although forbidden by Prohibition, many legislators and lobbyists winked at the 18th Amendment while fighting for and against the 19th. Travel back in time to the final battleground of women’s suffrage and honor this unique moment in history with an immersive tasting experience inside the storied Oak Bar. Each cocktail is hand-crafted to fit the personality of Nashville's most prominent suffrage leaders. Be sure to experience the Carrie.

Suffrage Sundays at Capitol Grille | June through August 2020 at Capitol Grille

Executive Chef Derek Brooks features culinary delights dating back to the 1920s in The Hermitage Hotel’s stalwart restaurant, Capitol Grille. These throwback dishes provide a taste of what suffrage leaders and politicians of the time enjoyed as they worked to pass the 19th Amendment. Chef Brooks collaborates with Farmer Evans at our Garden at Glen Leven, to feature heirloom varieties of legumes dating back to the suffrage period. In addition, suffrage-themed cocktails are available at reduced pricing.

Suffrage Getaway Experience | Available through December 31, 2020

Having been the headquarters for the final weeks of the suffrage movement, the hotel is offering a suffrage-themed vacation getaway that includes the following:

  • Luxurious guest room or suite with a Capitol view

  • Welcome packet including information on area suffrage tours, events, and displays

  • Welcome amenity of yellow roses and suffrage-era shortbread cookies

  • Breakfast daily for two people in Capitol Grille

  • A $50 credit to enjoy suffrage cocktails in the Oak Bar

  • Walk in the suffragists' footsteps with an autographed copy of Elaine Weiss’s book, The Woman’s Hour

  • Limited edition suffrage poster created for The Hermitage Hotel

Suffrage History Tour | Every Friday through the end of August 2020

Join Tom Vickstrom, resident historian and director of finance, at the History Corner in the Grand Lobby at 10 a.m. as he provides a 45-minute hotel tour complete with the locations and stories that took place for six weeks in the hot summer of 1920 as the entire suffrage movement descended upon The Hermitage Hotel and ultimately ratified the 19th Amendment.

History Corner | Throughout all of 2020

Explore a display of The Hermitage Hotel’s private collection of historic information and artifacts in the Grand Lobby dating from the summer of 1920, when both pro- and anti-suffrage leaders were headquartered in the hotel. This display is located in the lobby next to the Reception Desk and will be open for all to see throughout the centennial year.

The Hermitage Hotel was also designated a National Historic Landmark by the Trump administration on July 28. Under the direction of its first-ever female managing director, Dee Patel, the hotel plans to serve as a place to educate all visitors on the significance of the suffrage movement and as an advocate for the preservation of that history and female voters in this country.

“During this milestone year, visitors can explore the story of the suffrage movement through national parks, national historic landmarks, and other places where history happened,” said National Park Service South Atlantic-Gulf Regional Director Stan Austin in a press release. “The Hermitage Hotel’s role in the history of ratification of the 19th Amendment was so significant it earned the name ‘Third House’ of the Tennessee State Legislature, referring to the extraordinary presence and influence of the major stakeholders and dealmakers who convened there.”

Now, who's up for the ultimate girls' weekend at this fabulous national landmark?

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