Ryman Auditorium and the Grand Ole Opry

Ryman Auditorium was built in 1892 as the Union Gospel Tabernacle and later renamed for Thomas G. Ryman. The venue hosted the Grand Ole Opry radio show from 1943 until the Opry moved to the Grand Ole Opry House in 1974. It is widely acknowledged in historical accounts as a central performance site in the development of country music in Nashville.