The View From Here: 1864

Take the clothes off the guy on the right and it would almost look like he belongs there, however I wouldn't want to see it.

"During the Union occupation of Nashville (1862-65), the Capitol was transformed into Fortress Andrew Johnson. The artillery located there never had to be fired in battle, but were used for drills and celebrations."

That would explain the massive timbers blocking the steps.

An alternate view, along with a link (in the comments) to the story of the statues.

If you were Sesech, it didn't look good for you in Nashville either. When this photo was taken, Nashville was already under Union control as it was the first Confederate capital to fall to Federal troops in February 1862.

When I look north I see Grant marching to Virginia, and to the south I see Sherman marching to the sea.