Fun Easy English - Travel the United States of America

CAPITAL CITY: Nashville

BACKGROUND

The name Tennessee is derived from the name of a Cherokee village, Tanasi. In 1796, Tennessee was the first territory admitted as a state under the federal Constitution (16th state). Before statehood, it was known as the Territory South of the River Ohio. Tennessee is one of the states that link the North and the South. The lonely pioneer, wearing a coonskin cap and carrying a flintlock rifle, is a symbol of Tennessee's great past. Pioneers crossed the mountains of Tennessee to settle in the wilderness. They brought with them the spirit of independence and daring that has become a part of Tennessee's history.

Tennessee's rugged mountains, thick forests and beautiful lakes and rivers are ideal for outdoor sports. The capital Nashville is known as a center for country music; Memphis, Tennessee's largest city is a magnet for music fans, as the birthplace of urban blues and long-time home of Elvis.

QUICK FACTS

The great seal of the state of Tennessee

Nickname: Volunteer State

Motto: Agriculture and Commerce

Statehood: June 1, 1796 (16th)

Origin of State's Name: Named after Cherokee Indian villages called "Tanasi"

Largest Cities: Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Clarksville

Border States: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Virginia

Land Area: 41,220 sq. mi., 34th largest

State Bird: Mockingbird

State Flower: Iris (iridaceae)

State Tree: Tulip poplar (liriodendron tulipifera)

State Songs: The Tennessee Waltz
Tennessee, My Homeland
Tennessee
When It's Iris Time in Tennessee
My Tennessee
Rocky Top

USEFUL LINKS

Miscellaneous

Travel and tourism site for Tennessee - This state travel and territorial tourism site provides ideas for your vacations, meetings, and more.