Tennessee became the 16th
state on June 1, 1796. The name “Tennessee” derives from the Cherokee Indian
villages of the area called “Tanasi”.
 Tennessee’s commonly used nickname (as
well as the name of the University of Tennessee’s well-known football team) is
the Volunteer State. This name came about from a courageously won,
though unnecessarily fought, battle during the War of 1812.
A group of volunteer soldiers from Tennessee, under the
command of General Andrew Jackson, fought and won a decisive battle called the
Battle of New Orleans. Because communication was slow and unreliable during the
war, General Jackson did not know that the Treaty of Ghent had been signed two
weeks earlier, ending the war. Still, the uncommon valor demonstrated by the
Tennessee volunteer soldiers was honored, and the name is still in common use
today.
While Tennessee is a
relatively small state, just over 42,000 sq.ft. (36th in size for
US), it boasts a wide variety of flora and fauna. This is due to the three
separate geographies comprising this long (491 miles), skinny (115 miles)
state. The three white stars on the Tennessee state flag represent the
 three
geographies: the mountains in the east, the highlands in the center, and the
lowlands in the west. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to
Tennessee’s highest point: Clingmans Dome, at 6,643 feet. The lowlands of
western Tennessee are cut through by the powerful Mississippi River, giving the
state its lowest point at 182 feet.
There are five major rivers in Tennessee: Tennessee,
Mississippi, Cumberland, Clinch, and Duck.
 Tennessee is home to a number of
lakes as well, the larger among them include: Kentucky, Norris, Chickamauga,
Cherokee, and Tims Ford Reservoir.
Because Tennessee is so
long it is bordered by eight other states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky,
Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, and Virginia. In some cases this border
is rather small! The state’s largest cities are Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville,
and Chattanooga. This last city, bordering Georgia, is home to a several of
nature’s wonders: Rock City, Ruby Falls, and the Tennessee Aquarium. Definitely
worth a family trip!
“Agriculture & Commerce” (state motto-1987) Tennessee’s
economy is based largely on agriculture, specifically soybeans, cotton, tobacco,
and livestock. Secondarily, the economy is supported by industries such as
chemicals, transportation equipment, rubber, and plastics. Automobile
manufacturing is also beginning to have a significant impact on the state’s
economy. Together, Nashville and Memphis give the state of Tennessee a great
part of its identity. The influence of the music industry on its character can
not be ignored. Tennessee is known for volunteering the best of itself, whether
in war, music, agriculture, commerce, or nature, hence the state motto:
“Tennessee—America at its best.” (state slogan, adopted 1965)
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Fast Facts
Song: Tennessee Waltz
Bird: Mockingbird
Flower: Iris
Tree: Yellow Tulip Poplar
Horse: Tennessee Walking Horse
Agricultural Insect: Honeybee
Insect: Firefly & Ladybug
Butterfly: Zebra Swallowtail
Amphibian: Tennessee Cave Salamander
Fish: Largemouth Bass
Reptile: Eastern Box Turtle
Animal: Raccoon
Fruit: Tomato
Gem: Tennessee River Pearls
Rock: Limestone
Stone: Agate
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