The monument was originally part of a mineral display at the Centennial Exposition held May 1 through October 30, 1897. There is some disagreement on the source of the 50-foot granite shaft whether it came from Barry Vermont Granite Quarries or from quarries at Stone Mountain Georgia. Following the Exposition it was decided to use the shaft as a memorial to James Robertson, the founder of Nashville. The monument was dedicated October 11, 1903.
The plaques are inscribed:
North Side Text:
"James Robertson/Born in Brunswick County, Virginia, June 28, 1742. Moved to North Carolina in 1750. Came to Tennessee in 1769. Settled Nashville in 1780. Died in Tennessee Sept. 1, 1814. Reinterred in the City Cemetery at Nashville, 1825, under authority of the Tennessee Legislature."
East Side Text:
"Charlotte Reeves/Wife of James Robertson/Born in North Carolina, Jan. 2, 1751. Married to James Robertson, 1768. Died in Nashville, Jun. 11, 1843. Buried in the City Cemetery. Mother of the first male child born at Nashville. She participated in the deeds and dangers of her illustrious husband: won honors of her own and along his path of destiny cast a leading light of loyalty, intelligence, and devotion."
South Side Text:
"A worthy citizen of both Virginia and North Carolina. Pioneer, patriot, and patriarch in Tennessee. Diplomat, Indian fighter, maker of memorable history. Director of the movement of the settlers requiring that hazardous and heroic journey so successfully achieved from Watauga to the Cumberland. Founder of Nashville. Brigadier-General of the United States Army. Agent of the Government to the Chickasaw Nation. He was earnest, taciturn, self-contained, and had that quiet consciousness of power usually seen in born leaders of men. 'He had winning ways and made no fuss.' (Oconnostota) He had what was of value beyond price--a love of virtue, an intrepid soul, an emulous desire for honest fame. He possessed to an eminent degree the confidence, esteem, and veneration of all his contemporaries. His worth and services in peace and war are gratefully remembered. Amiable in private life, wise in council, vigilant in camp, courageous in battle, strong in adversity, generous in victory, revered in death."
West Side Text:
"James Robertson/Founder of Nashville/'We are the advance guard of civilization. Our way is across the Continent.'" Robertson--1779
Further information about the monument can be found at this website.