NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Drivers heading down Polk Avenue may have noticed an unusual sight this week after only half of a historical marker was left standing.
The historical marker was found split in two on the side of the road Tuesday afternoon. It's unclear exactly when the damage happened as Metro Nashville police said they have not received any calls regarding a "broken sign on Polk Avenue" within the past week.
Also unknown is whether the damage was intentional. In an email, the Historical Commission of Metro Nashville and Davidson County said, "Damaged markers do happen from time to time, either by people trying to intentionally remove them or accidentally hitting them."
The organization added that it does not have the staffing nor capability to investigate missing or damaged markers.
The marker on Polk Avenue was erected in 2021 in commemoration of the Black soldiers who helped fight for the Union during the Battle of Nashville.
Early on Dec. 15, 1864, three brigades — two of which were U.S. Colored Troops (USCT) — launched an attack on Confederate troops who were heading toward the capital.
While that attack was unsuccessful due to heavy fortification around the Confederate troops, the two-day battle marked a significant turning point in the Civil War.
In recent years, the Metro Historical Commission has been making efforts to identify the contributions of Black soldiers in the Battle of Nashville through various markers placed around the city.
The Metro Historical Commission said Wednesday the marker will cost around $3,500 to replace. Each sign is handmade, so the cost to put up a historical marker varies based on current pricing and the length of the text.
In the meantime, the remaining pieces of the Polk Avenue marker will be removed by NDOT for safety. Officials said a replacement should be installed by next spring.
No further details were immediately available.