May 12, 1892

The Ryman Auditorium opens for public services as the Union Gospel Tabernacle in downtown Nashville. It eventually hosts the Grand Ole Opry from 1943-1974

Jun 22, 1897

The balcony is completed at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium, future home of the Grand Ole Opry. The extra level of seats is installed to accommodate an upcoming convention of Confederate War veterans

Apr 11, 1918

Actors Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks appear at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium during a World War I bond drive. The following year they establish United Artists Pictures, which eventually has a division with a country label

Nov 6, 1925

Uncle Dave Macon, Sid Harkreader and Dr. Humphrey Bate perform at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium in a benefit concert that airs on WSM Radio. It's the first country music show broadcast from the Ryman, the future home of the Grand Ole Opry

Jun 5, 1943

The Grand Ole Opry takes a new home at the Ryman Auditorium, where it remains until 1974

Sep 4, 1943

Curley Williams & His Georgia Peach Pickers make their Grand Ole Opry debut. Williams' "Half As Much" later becomes a hit for Hank Williams

Jun 17, 1944

Comedian Rod Brasfield makes his Grand Ole Opry debut, the same day The Poe Sisters become members

Jul 15, 1944

Comedian Rod Brasfield becomes a member of the Grand Ole Opry

Dec 30, 1944

Bob Wills & The Texas Playboys appear on the Grand Ole Opry, causing a stir when Monte Mountjoy's drum set is moved onto the stage at the last minute. Drums were previously not allowed. Their first number is "New San Antonio Rose"

Apr 14, 1945

Buddy Harroll, of Pee Wee King's Golden West Cowboys, is the first to play trumpet on the Grand Ole Opry, delivering "Taps" in honor of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who died two days earlier