Nashville is located in southwestern Illinois in Washington County (of which it is the county seat) southeast of St Louis and west of Mt. Vernon along Highway 15. The population estimate for July 1, 1998 was 3,238, an increase of 36 since 1990.
Washington County State Park about 10 miles south-southeast of town provides the area with a 250-acre lake on which to fish and campsites are avilable along its 13-mile shoreline. Other recreational opportunities in the area include the Nashville Municipal Golf Course for those wanting some low-key excercise. In addition, Nashville hosts the county fair usually starting shortly after the 4th of July.