GALLATIN, Tenn. (WTVF) — Gallatin’s rich history will now be on display for residents to enjoy courtesy of new murals.
The Sumner County city is the latest to use street art to highlight the city’s past. Murals across Nashville have become popular spots for locals and tourists alike.
Artist Bryan Deese worked Friday night on one of the murals off of West Franklin Street. He used stencils and spray paint to complete the design.
The left side of the mural features the Louisville and Nashville Railroad. Starting in 1858, it allowed residents to get on a train at the Depot Square in Gallatin and travel anywhere in the United States. It includes a portrait of Milton Smith who later took over as president of the company.
The right side of the mural focuses on the Nashville Light and Railway Company’s trolley system in Nashville and Middle Tennessee, as well as conductor T.J. Cato.
Both sections of the mural are separated by the picture of a young boy holding the ceremonial last spike during a celebration of the railroad’s completion.
“I think it’s a fun, important story to tell especially when the railroads are still active in our community,” said Bryan Deese. “Murals meet people on their terms on the street.”
The mural is located between what once was the train depot and trolley station.
A spokesperson for the city of Gallatin said “At the start of the 20th century, few small towns in America had a transportation infrastructure equal to what could be found in Gallatin. Gallatin merchants, farmers and manufactures benefited greatly from these railroads, shipping and receiving goods daily on the freight services offered by each company. These transport options were vital to Gallatin’s growth and development during the 19th and 20th centuries.”
The first mural is expected to be finished by the end of the month. The project cost $5,750 and is being funded by a Creative Placement Grant the city received last year from the Tennessee Arts Commission.
A second mural will be located across the parking lot on the side of Chubb’s. It will focus on the 1970 championship basketball game between Union and Gallatin High Schools and the players who helped unite a segregated city. Deese hoped to one day do a third mural on the back of the Palace Theatre.
Last year, Deese completed his first mural in Gallatin at the city’s skate park. It features Sumner County resident Ray Underhill who was the state’s first professional skateboarder.
