Bill "Hoss" Allen Historical Marker

Bill "Hoss" Allen, born in Gallatin in 1922, was a pioneering rhythm and blues and gospel disc jockey who worked in radio for more than 40 years. His nightly shows on WLAC Nashville played an important role in broadening the base of R&B and soul music. He developed cross-cultural appeal for WLAC, building a strong following for R&B among white teenagers thanks to his delivery and choice of music. He helped launch artists like James Brown, Bob Seger, Otis Redding and Waylon Jennings. In 1994, he was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame and in 2010, Allen was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

After learning about Allen, take the self-guided walking trail around the 80-acre Bledsoe's Fort Historical Park to learn the history of one of Middle Tennessee's first settlements. You'll see buildings circa 1790s and a prehistoric natural spring, Bledsoe's Lick. Not far from Castalian Springs is the city of Gallatin, next to Old Hickory Lake. Here, you'll find amazing dining options, boutiques filled with unique finds and a beautiful historic downtown square.