Welcome to the Volunteer State, where the music is soulful, the whiskey is smooth, and the scenery is breathtaking. Tennessee is a state full of surprises and fascinating tales, from the home of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the birthplace of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis Presley. Whether you’re a fan of music, history, or just interesting-trivia, there’s something for everyone in Tennessee. So, grab a plate of hot chicken, and let’s explore 25 amazing Tennessee facts that will make you say, “Well, I’ll be!”
1-5 Fun Facts About Tennessee
1. Tennessee may not be the biggest state around, but it still has plenty of room to stretch out. With a land area of 42,143 square miles (or 109,247 square kilometers), it ranks 36th in size among the US states, nestled comfortably between Virginia and Kentucky.
2. Believe it or not, Tennessee and Cuba are almost identical in size! Both cover roughly 42,000 square miles, making them surprisingly comparable in terms of land area.
3. With a population of 7 million, Tennessee is a bustling state that ranks 16th in the nation in terms of total residents. From the rolling hills of the countryside to the bustling cities, there’s plenty of room for everyone.
4. If you’re looking for the heart of Tennessee, look no further than Nashville. As the state capital, it’s a vibrant hub of activity that’s home to 715,000 people (and a metropolitan area of 2 million), making it the 21st largest city in the country.
5. Agriculture and commerce are the names of the game in Tennessee, at least according to the official state motto. With a rich history of farming and industry, this state takes pride in its ability to grow, produce, and trade goods of all kinds.
6-10 Interesting Facts About Tennessee
6. When it comes to state animals, Tennessee has a few tricks up its sleeve. The official state mammal is the raccoon, a scrappy critter that’s known for its cunning and adaptability.
7. When it comes to state beverages, milk is the clear winner in Tennessee (and 20 other US states, for that matter). But that’s not all – the state also has a surprising official fruit: the tomato!
8. Tennessee takes its music seriously – so seriously that it has nine official state songs, more than any other state in the country. And if that’s not enough, it’s also the only state to have an official bicentennial rap. Now that’s something to sing about!
9. Memphis is a city that’s full of history, but one attraction, in particular, draws fans from around the world – Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley. With 650,000 visitors per year, it’s the second most visited home in the US, trailing only the White House.
Read More: 20 Mind-Blowing Facts about Elvis Presley That You Must Know
10. Tennessee has produced some of the biggest names in entertainment, including music legends like Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, and Dolly Parton, as well as Hollywood stars like Miley Cyrus, Justin Timberlake, and Morgan Freeman.
11-15 Surprising Facts About Tennessee
11. While Kentucky reigns supreme as the biggest whiskey producer in the US, Tennessee is a close runner-up, with the famed Jack Daniel’s brand leading the charge. Every year, the company cranks out a staggering 38 million gallons of the good stuff, all packaged in their signature square bottles.
12. Over half of the state of Tennessee is cloaked in a lush forest canopy, making it a paradise for nature lovers.
13. Tennessee boasts the distinction of having no income tax, but residents do have to contend with relatively high state and local sales taxes.
14. Strange laws abound in Tennessee, including a prohibition against women asking men out on dates in the town of Oneida.
15. While most states have laws against carrying certain items across their borders, Tennessee takes it to the next level with a law specifically prohibiting the transport of skunks across state lines.
16-20 Weird Facts About Tennessee
16. It turns out that shooting animals from a car window is ILLEGAL in Tennessee – unless, of course, you happen to be targeting a whale. (Although, let’s be honest, how often does that come up?)
Read More: 30 Weird and Awesome facts about Animals that will Surprise you
17. The Tennessee Aquarium boasts an unusual resident – an electric eel that’s taken up social media, using its electrical discharges to post updates on Twitter.
18. In a controversial move that sparked national outrage, firefighters in Tennessee let a house burn down because the homeowners hadn’t paid a $75 fee for their services.
19. In 2005, Tennessee implemented a unique approach to catching drug dealers: requiring them to pay taxes on their illegal substances, anonymously.
20. In 1916, a town in Tennessee famously hanged an elephant for murder after it killed its handler. This event is still remembered today as a bizarre moment in US history.
21-25 Insane Facts About Tennessee
21. A man in Tennessee spent 14 years building an incredible 97-floor, 10,000-square-foot treehouse – and it’s now open to the public for free.
22. Mississippi is suing Tennessee for allegedly stealing groundwater, highlighting the legal battles that can arise over natural resources.
23. The US’ largest pyramid, and the world’s sixth largest, can be found in Memphis, Tennessee. It serves as a Bass Pro Shops mega shop.
Read More: 20 Shocking Facts about Egypt That Didn’t Know
24. Tennessee allows people to vote with an expired license or ID, making it easier for citizens to exercise their right to vote.
25. 19th Amendment (Women’s Suffrage) almost wasn’t ratified until a Tennessee senator who was against it (Harry Burns) received a letter from his mother telling him to “be a good boy” and vote for ratification. He broke the deadlock the next day and the 19th was ratified.
That’s it for this post guys, I hope you had fun while reading 25 Interesting Tennessee Facts a to z.
Take Care …
