Nashville, TN, September 15, 2026 — The often-unnoticed ‘B’ within the airport code BNA for Nashville International Airport holds a historical connection to Col. Harry S. Berry, a Tennessean whose contributions to the development of Nashville are frequently overlooked. Col. Berry played a significant role in shaping the city’s infrastructure and future.

Berry’s influence on Nashville was multifaceted, notably through his involvement with Works Progress Administration (WPA) projects. These initiatives, part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, aimed to create jobs and build public infrastructure across the United States during the Great Depression. His work with the WPA helped lay foundations for much of Nashville’s subsequent growth and development.

Furthermore, Col. Berry was instrumental in the establishment and early development of Nashville’s airport facilities. This early aviation work laid the groundwork for what would eventually become Nashville International Airport, a major transportation hub for the region.

The legacy of Col. Harry S. Berry is tied directly to the airport’s International Air Transport Association (IATA) code, BNA. The designation serves as a tribute to his efforts, with the ‘B’ specifically representing his name. However, this historical detail often recedes from public consciousness, particularly as discussions and considerations regarding potential airport renaming have emerged.

As the city and its airport continue to evolve, the historical significance of figures like Col. Harry S. Berry underscores the importance of recognizing the individuals whose foundational work has contributed to Nashville’s present-day status. The persistence of his name in the airport code serves as a lasting, though often unacknowledged, marker of his impact on the city.


Story summarized from the original created by Chris Davis on www.newschannel5.com, see more information here.

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