Top 10 Most Interesting Facts About Tennessee

1. State Motto: "Agriculture and Commerce."
2. State Bird: Northern Mockingbird.
3. State Flower: Iris.
4. Nashville is known as "Music City" and is the country music capital of the world.
5. Graceland in Memphis is the second most-visited house in America, after the White House.
6. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most-visited national park in the United States.
7. Dolly Parton, one of the most famous country music stars, was born in Sevierville, Tennessee.
8. Jack Daniel’s whiskey is made in Lynchburg, Tennessee, in a dry county where alcohol sales are prohibited.
9. Beale Street in Memphis is considered the birthplace of the blues.
10. Tennessee is one of the most geographically diverse states, with mountains, rivers, and plains.

Geography of Tennessee

Tennessee’s geography is as diverse as its culture, with the Appalachian Mountains to the east and the Mississippi River to the west:

• Highest Point: Clingmans Dome (6,643 feet).
• Lowest Point: Mississippi River at 178 feet.
• Major Rivers: Tennessee River, Mississippi River, and Cumberland River.

A Brief History of Tennessee

Tennessee has played a central role in American history, from its early settlement to its musical influence:

• Tennessee became the 16th state of the United States on June 1, 1796.
• The state earned the nickname "Volunteer State" for its role in the War of 1812 and the Mexican-American War.
• Memphis was a hub for the cotton trade and played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement.
• Nashville became the epicenter of country music in the 20th century, with the establishment of the Grand Ole Opry.

Top 10 Things to Do in Tennessee

1. Visit the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville for a live country music experience.
2. Explore Graceland, Elvis Presley’s home, in Memphis.
3. Hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
4. Stroll down Beale Street in Memphis to enjoy live blues performances.
5. Spend a day at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge.
6. Tour the Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg.
7. Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville.
8. Relax by the Tennessee River in Chattanooga and see the famous Walnut Street Bridge.
9. Tour the historic Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville.
10. Take a scenic drive along the Natchez Trace Parkway.

Plan Your Visit

For more information about Tennessee, visit the state’s official tourism site: Tennessee Vacation