The Cumberland River flows through downtown Nashville. The State Capitol overlooks Memorial Square. Nashville's tallest structure, the 31-story Third National Financial Center Building, is in the downtown area. Nashville, Tennessee Almost all the people of Nashville were born in the United States. The city's largest ethnic groups include those of French, German, or Irish ancestry.
Blacks form about a fourth of Nashville's population.
Nashville has about 650 industrial plants. The production of printed materials is among the city's most important industries. Nashville's other major products include aircraft parts, food products, glass, heating and cooking equipment, recordings of music, tires, and trucks. A General Motors automobile manufacturing plant is located near Nashville. Nashville's economy received a big boost during the 1950's, when the city became a major music recording center.