State Abbreviation: TN

Capital: Nashville

Name Origin: No one’s sure how Tennessee got its name, but two Native American villages were called Tanasi and Tanasqui, which sound similar to “Tennessee.”

Nickname: Volunteer State

Statehood: June 1, 1796 (16th State)

State Motto: “Agriculture and Commerce" (1987)

Tennessee has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early explorations of the 16th century. Explored by Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto in 1540, the area later became a subject of contention between France and England due to the explorations of Jacques Marquette, Louis Joliet, Sieur de la Salle, James Needham, and Gabriel Arthur in the 1670s and 1680s. Eventually, Great Britain gained control of the region following the French and Indian Wars in 1763.

In the late 18th century, settlers in Tennessee formed the short-lived "state" of Franklin from 1784 to 1787. However, it was disbanded when the region was granted representation in the North Carolina legislature. In 1790, Congress organized the territory south of the Ohio River, and Tennessee became the 16th state to join the Union in 1796.

During the Civil War, although Tennessee officially joined the Confederacy, there was significant pro-Union sentiment within the state. As a result, Tennessee witnessed extensive military action during the war.

Today, Tennessee is primarily an industrial state, with a majority of its population residing in urban areas. The state's industries span a wide range, including chemicals, textiles, apparel, electrical machinery, furniture, and leather goods. It also has a strong presence in food processing, lumber, primary metals, and metal products. Notably, Tennessee excels in the production of marble, zinc, pyrite, and ball clay.

Agriculturally, soybean is the largest crop in Tennessee, contributing a significant portion to the state's agricultural receipts. Tobacco production is also prominent, and livestock, dairy products, greenhouse and nursery products, cotton, and other crops contribute to the farming sector.

Tennessee shares extensive federal reservoir developments on the Tennessee and Cumberland River systems with six other states. These reservoirs, managed by the Tennessee Valley Authority, include numerous dams and provide important water resources for the region.

The state boasts several notable points of interest, such as the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site in Greeneville, the American Museum of Atomic Energy in Oak Ridge, the renowned Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Hermitage (the home of Andrew Jackson near Nashville), Rock City Gardens near Chattanooga, and three National Military Parks, among others. These attractions showcase Tennessee's historical, cultural, and natural heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into the state's diverse past and present.

• Frontiersman Davy Crockett; and singers Aretha Franklin, Dolly Parton, Kenny Chesney, and Justin Timberlake, were all born in Tennessee.
  
• Graceland, singer Elvis Presley’s Memphis mansion, gets more visitors than any other U.S. home except for the White House. On display are Elvis’ costumes, his pink Cadillac, and even his airplane with gold-plated seat belts!
  
• Visitors to the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville can see costumes, instruments, and artifacts from stars like Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, and Miranda Lambert.
  
• The “Grand Ole Opry” started as a country-music radio show in 1925. Today it’s broadcast live from Nashville, where audiences can see stars like Carrie Underwood and groups such as Alabama Shakes perform.
  
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the United States’ most visited national park. The Great Smoky Mountains are known as the “Salamander Capital of the World,” and the park alone has 30 different species.
  
• Tennessee is filled with important Native American archaeological sites including the Shiloh Indian Mounds, which were created as a resting place for important individuals about 800 years ago.

1. Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, where you can hike scenic trails, spot diverse wildlife, go camping, and enjoy panoramic views. The park offers a range of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts and is a haven for photographers and adventure seekers.
2. Visit Music City, Nashville: Experience the vibrant music scene and rich cultural heritage of Nashville, also known as the "Music City." Explore the Country Music Hall of Fame, catch live performances at iconic venues like the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium, and stroll down Broadway to enjoy live music pouring out from honky-tonk bars.
3. Take a Historic Tour of Memphis: Delve into the musical legacy of Memphis, the birthplace of blues and the home of Elvis Presley. Visit Graceland, Elvis' former home turned museum, explore Beale Street's lively music scene, and tour the National Civil Rights Museum, located at the site of Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination.
4. Discover the Beauty of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge: These neighboring towns offer a range of attractions and entertainment options. Visit Dollywood, an amusement park created by country music legend Dolly Parton, enjoy the diverse entertainment venues, sample Southern cuisine, and explore the scenic wonders of the nearby Smoky Mountains.
5. Experience the Jack Daniel's Distillery: Head to Lynchburg and take a tour of the historic Jack Daniel's Distillery. Learn about the craftsmanship behind this world-famous Tennessee whiskey, see the aging barrels, and enjoy a tasting session to appreciate the distinct flavors that make Jack Daniel's a beloved spirit worldwide.