National Tennessee Day recognizes the Volunteer State on October 26.  Tennessee was the 16th state admitted to the union. The great state brings with it the Great Smoky Mountains, centers for blues and country music, and depth of history that surges through art.

As the gateway to the deep south, Tennessee experienced heavy burdens during the Civil War.  As a slaveholding state with many Union sympathizers and Union occupying units, Tennessee was often as divided as the country during the war.  It was the only state to have a battle or skirmish in every county.

Two anchor cities, Memphis and Nashville, provide abundant talent and draw even more. It should be no surprise the music and entertainment industry thrive in Tennessee. For more than 75 years The Grand Ole Opry has provided a cornerstone of radio performances. thrilling audiences of all ages.

Flavors of Tennessee

Mac n’ Cheese
Catfish
Meat & Three Cornbread
Fried Pickles
Belle Buckle Moon Pies
Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet Potato Pancakes
Banana Pudding
GooGoo Cluster

The region is brimming with waterfalls, trails and wildlife.  The Great Smoky Mountains provide plenty of opportunities to get out and explore.

Official Tennessee Symbols

State Capital – Nashville
State Nickname – The Volunteer State
State Motto – Agriculture and Commerce
State Bird – Mockingbird
State Flower – Passion Flower
State Animal – Raccoon
State Fish – Channel Catfish
State Fruit – Tomato
State Tree – Tulip Poplar
State Song – My Homeland, Tennessee
State Gemstone – Tennessee River Pearl
State Insect – Ladybug
State Airplane – Memphis Belle

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalTennessee Day

We recognize Tennessee’s outstanding voices, art and history. Delight in all of Tennessee’s talent and adventure.  Use #NationalTennesseeDay to share on social media.

ART – NATURE – HISTORY

For a complete list of Tennessee State and National Parks & Historic Sites visit www.tnstateparks.com and www.nps.gov.  Check out a few of the featured sites around the state below. 

Great Smoky Mountains

Paris Landing – Buchanan

Reelfoot Lake – Tiptonville

Tims Ford – Franklin

Fall Creek Falls – Spencer

Ruby Falls – Chattanooga

Tennessee State Museum – Nashville

Country Music Hall of Fame Museum – Nashville

Parthenon – Nashville

Cheekwood Botanical Garden – Nashville

Tennessee Military Museum – Nashville

Graceland – Memphis

Museum of Appalachia – Clinton

The Hermitage – Nashville

Memphis Rock N’ Soul – Memphis

Alex Haley House and Museum – Henning

Notable People

David Crockett – Frontiersman and Congressman – (August 17, 1786 – March 6, 1836)


Sequoyah – Cherokee scholar – (c.1770 – August 1843)


Sarah Polk – First Lady – (September 4, 1803 – August 14, 1891)


Minnie Pearl – Comedian – (October 25, 1912 – March 4, 1996)


Archie Campbell – Comedian – (November 7, 1914 – August 29, 1987)

Archie Campbell - Comedian

Johnny Cash – Singer/Song Writer – (February 26, 1932 – September 12, 2003)


Morgan Freeman – Actor – (June 1, 1937 – )


Aretha Franklin – Singer – (March 25, 1942 – )



Dolly Parton – Musician – (January 19, 1946 – )



Hidden Treasures

International Rock-A-Billy Hall of Fame – Jackson

Lost Cove Settlement – Erwin

Spaceship House – Signal Mountain

Slave Haven – Memphis