Tennessee Map | TN State Map

The south of the American region houses Tennessee, a landlocked state, which is a package of contrasting features. It is divided into a total of 95 counties. From the majestic Great Smoky Mountains to the Mississippi River, the rich history of the Civil War era converges with the sounds of rock and roll. It is known for its pristine natural beauty and its warm hospitality. It is on the streets of Nashville, the capital of the state, where tradition comes together with innovation. Quite the exquisite name, it is also known as the “Birthplace of Country Music” due to its deep roots that find their ground in notes and tones. It also earned the nickname “The Volunteer State” due to a strong tradition of military service. The state is home to the world’s largest freshwater aquarium, the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga.

History

Initially, the state was inhabited by various native tribes, such as the Cherokee, Chickasaw, and Creek. Even the name “Tennessee” is derived from Tanasi, a Cherokee town that existed before the first European settlement. In the year 1540, the Spanish explorer, Hernando de Soto, became the first European to chart the land. By the early 18th century, most of the natives were wiped out due to the diseases that were brought into the country by the people from Spain. Those who remained migrated to present-day Virginia. In 1796, the region became the 16th state to join the United States. Not just for its rich history, but the state also became a hub for music with the rise of country, blues, and rock n’ roll. It also played an important role in the Civil War. In the late 1800s, the area experienced development with railroads, coal mining, and agriculture. Textile and iron manufacturing plants were built, but there was no growth until the 1930s or the 1940s. It was then that the manufacturing sector began to be readily accepted, and mechanization became the necessary future. It was felt that if people did not upgrade themselves, they would be sure to fall behind.

The state played a massive role in the Civil Rights Movement, with events like the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the Memphis Sanitation Workers’ Strike. This shaped the history of the nation and became a center point for the organization of people and their ideas. The mass uprising built a front for unification, the necessity of freedom, and guarding the cultural and traditional ideas of the territory.

Initially, the capital was set up at Knoxville from statehood in 1796 until 1812, except for September 21, 1807, when the legislature met in Kingston for a day to settle on issues that were at the forefront and needed to be urgently combated. The capital was relocated to Nashville in 1812, which remained as it was for a while until it was relocated back to Knoxville in 1817. The next year again, the capital was moved to the city of Murfreesboro, which was so until 1826. Nashville was officially reinstated as the capital and was given the title of Tennessee's permanent capital in 1843. On February 22, 1865, the legislature approved an amendment to the state constitution that prohibited slavery. This made it the only Southern state to abolish slavery at the time. The Constitution, with all its amendments, was adopted in 1870. On July 24, 1966, Tennessee also became the first Confederate state to have its members readmitted to Congress.

During the 20th century, there was a transition from a state that entirely depended on agriculture to a state that was now opening its boundaries to the secondary and tertiary sectors. The region’s area in the 21st century continues to expand with industries in healthcare, music, and tourism. However, the growth of information and communication technology was not as rapid as in other parts of the nation.

Culture

The culture of the state is a patchwork of various identities and communities. The distinct patterns and diversity of culture and language have led to the divisions forming East, Middle, and West Tennessee. The Native people are those from the Cherokee, Chikasaw, and Choctaw tribes. On the other hand, African Americans are also a significant part. Alongside this, the Appalachian region has marked distinctions that are shaped by Scottish, Irish, and English influences. The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians is the only federally recognized Native American tribe that resides in Huening and has the right to govern itself.

Music is reverberated in unique symphonies and tones. Some of the main genres of music that are prevalent include country music, blues, rock and roll, and Appalachian folk music. It is also the land that brought to existence famous musicians like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbinson, and Charlie Rich. Some of the places that serve as halls to the sounds include Sun Studio, Memphis Rock N’ Roll Museum, Ryman Auditorium, Music Row, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

William Lawrence wrote his famous poem, “Oh Tennessee, My Tennessee,” in which he reminisces about his motherland while being held captive in Hanoi as a prisoner of the Vietnam War. The Fugitive Poets, which included John Crowe Ransom, Donald Davidson, Allen Tate, and Robert Penn Warren, took to their craft to rebel against the industrial phase taking over the agricultural sector.

Festivities continue all year long, and the major ones include the Bonnaroo Music Festival, the CMA Music Festival, Memphis in May, and the Tennessee State Fair.

Art galleries and museums are living testimony that provide a first-hand experience of visual arts. These museums that orchestrate the artistic euphoria and convey it to the masses include the Brooks Museum of Art (Memphis), the Knoxville Museum of Art and the Frist Art Museum (Nashville).

The cuisine is distinctive, with the main dishes including Nashville hot chicken, Memphis barbeque, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, wines, and moonpies.

The city of Oak Ridge was formed during the Second World War to house the Manhattan Project’s uranium facilities for the construction of the world’s first atomic bombs. After the end of the mass destruction that was caused by the war, the Oak Ridge National Library became a center of research and scientific advancement. In the year 2016, the element tennessine was named after the state to pay homage to the library’s effort in its discovery.

Along with this, the state has also contributed greatly to college-level sports. The region of Nashville is home to the professional Titans football team and the Predators hockey team.

Language

The official language of the state is English. However, some of the predominant regional dialects include Southern American English, Appalachian English, which is popular in the eastern region, and African American Vernacular English, which is popular in urban areas. In addition to this, the Cherokee language is also spoken by the people of the eastern parts of the state. The “Nashiville sound” is a term that is often employed by people to refer to the country music scenes, which in turn influence a distinctive part of the local speech.

Geography

The state shares its boundaries with eight other states: Kentucky and Virginia in the north; North Carolina to the east; Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi on the south; and Arkansas and Missouri on the west. The highest point is the Clingmans Dome, which is 2,025 m above sea level.

2.2% of the total land area is composed of water bodies. Rainfall is present in the months of April, May, November, and December. Most rainfall is received in mountainous regions. However, the Cumberland Plateau receives less rainfall than the other regions of the world. Due to its mild climate and ample rainfall, the region has a booming agriculture sector.

The Tennessee Valley is highlighted for its soil, which is known to support a variety of crops. Its irrigation system makes it possible to grow crops like soybeans, cotton, and corn. Apart from the valley, the Cumberland Plateau is the location for the production of tobacco and hay.

The location is within a biome that is commonly termed an Eastern Deciduous Forest. It is also one of the most biodiverse inland states, and the Duck River is the most biologically diverse waterway in North America. It is famous for its oak-pine and cove hardwood forests, which occupy almost 52% of the land area available. In addition to this commonality, it also has a unique flora species. The cedar glades contain many endemic species and grow mostly in shallow limestone bedrock. Chickens, eggs, cattle, and milk form an important aspect of the livestock. The horse is also reared in many parts of the state.

Tourism is a key factor that influences the region owing to the presence of Cades Cove, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Fall Creek Falls State Park.

FAQs

Q1: What are some of the top tourist attractions?

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Country Music Hall of Fame, Ryman Auditorium, Beale Street, and Jack Daniel’s Distillery.

Q2: What are some of the popular souvenirs to buy?

Music-themed items and handmade crafts.

Q3: Is it a family-friendly destination?

Yes, it is family-friendly, with many attractions and activities that can entertain people of all ages.

Q4: What are some popular shopping destinations?

The Gulch in Nashville, Beale Street in Memphis, and the Tennessee Valley Winery in Knoxville are popular among both tourists and locals.

Q5: What are some scenic historical mansions and estates?

Hermitage, Belle Meade Plantation, and the Belmont Mansion are some scenic estates.