Tennessee

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Tennessee - The Volunteer State

Memphis, TN

Welcome to Tennessee

Nestled in the heart of the American South, Tennessee is a state rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Known as the “Volunteer State,” Tennessee earned its nickname during the War of 1812, when its citizens showed great bravery and willingness to fight. From the majestic Great Smoky Mountains in the east to the rolling farmland of the west, Tennessee’s geography is as diverse as its heritage.

Music, Mountains, and More

Tennessee is a musical powerhouse. The city of Nashville is famous as the home of country music, while Memphis played a key role in the birth of blues, soul, and rock and roll. Tourists flock to landmarks like Graceland and the Grand Ole Opry. Tennessee is also home to vibrant traditions in folk art, barbecue, and college football. Whether you’re hiking in a national park or exploring Civil War history, Tennessee offers something for everyone.

Why Tennessee Matters

With a strong influence on American music, military service, and southern culture, Tennessee continues to play an important role in the nation's story. Its deep roots and lively spirit make it a state worth discovering.

Tennessee Symbols

Fast Facts and Interesting Facts

Fact	Detail	Interesting Facts
Region	Southeast	Tennessee is known as "The Volunteer State" due to the large number of volunteer soldiers in the War of 1812 and the Mexican-American War. Elvis Presley’s Graceland, in Memphis, is one of the most visited private homes in the U.S., second only to the White House. Nashville is considered the country music capital of the world and is home to the Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame. Tennessee borders eight states, tied with Missouri for the most of any U.S. state. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the U.S. The Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee played a key role in the Manhattan Project during World War II. The state’s geographic diversity includes mountains, plateaus, and rivers — it spans three Grand Divisions: East, Middle, and West Tennessee. Jack Daniel’s Distillery, the oldest registered distillery in the U.S., is located in Lynchburg — ironically, a dry county. Memphis was a major center of the Civil Rights Movement; Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated there in 1968. Tennessee has produced three U.S. Presidents: Andrew Jackson, James K. Polk, and Andrew Johnson.
Population	7 million (2024 est.)
Area	42,144 sq mi
Statehood Date	June 1, 1796 (16th state)
Capital City	Nashville
Largest City	Memphis
Abbreviation	TN
Nickname	The Volunteer State
Geography	Appalachian Mountains in the east, fertile valleys in the center, Mississippi River to the west
Bordering States	Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Missouri
Economy	Automotive manufacturing, agriculture (soybeans, cotton), tourism, music industry
State Tree	Tulip Poplar
State Bird	Mockingbird


Our Content
	Interactive and Printable Tennessee Maps and Map Activities This section features numerous interactive and printable Tennessee maps. Students can even use our Maptivation program to make their own Tennessee map.

	History of Tennessee Tennessee was originally part of North Carolina before becoming its own territory in 1790 and achieving statehood in 1796 as the 16th state. It played a key role in westward expansion and was a major battleground during the Civil War.

	Famous People from Tennessee Tennessee has produced many famous figures, including President Andrew Jackson, a military hero and influential leader in American politics. It’s also home to music legend Elvis Presley, whose Memphis roots helped shape rock and roll worldwide.

	Tennessee Literacy and Comprehension Exercises This section offers a variety of literacy and reading comprehension activities, including engaging passages with question sets, cloze reading exercises, and lessons on text elements and structure. These resources are generally suitable for students in grades 4–8.

	Fun Tennessee Printables and Coloring Activities This section features fun and educational Tennessee-themed coloring activities and printables, including state symbols, a state flag outline, a 'Welcome to Tennessee' sign, and much more!

	Tennessee and United States Online Games This section provides some really exciting online games such as Tennessee or Not Tennessee, Collage America, Ameriquake, Conquer the States, Draw America, and several more.