State of Tennessee
Nicknames: The Volunteer State
Motto(s): Agriculture and Commerce
Date of Statehood: June 1, 1796 (16th state)
State Song: “The Tennessee Waltz” and “Rocky Top”
Tennessee Flag History
The flag of Tennessee, adopted on April 17, 1905, is emblematic of the state’s pride and values. Designed by Colonel LeRoy Reeves, the flag’s three stars represent the three grand divisions of the state: East, Middle, and West Tennessee, bound together in an indissoluble trinity. The blue circle around the stars symbolizes unity. The field of the flag is crimson, with a stripe of blue at the end, adding distinction to the design.
The design of the Tennessee flag was chosen to be simple, yet meaningful, reflecting the state’s unity and the distinct characteristics of its three regions. The use of red, white, and blue not only shows patriotism to the nation but also adds a visually striking aspect, making the Tennessee flag distinct and memorable.
Tennessee Quick Facts
Capital City: Nashville
Abbreviation: TN
Population: Approximately 6.8 million
Region: Southeast
Origin of State Name: Derived from “Tanasi,” a Cherokee village
Sports Teams: Tennessee Titans (NFL), Nashville Predators (NHL), Memphis Grizzlies (NBA)
Bordering States: Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Missouri
Area Codes: 615, 901, 423, among others
Highest Point: Clingmans Dome at 6,643 feet (2,025 meters)
Lowest Point: Mississippi River at 178 feet (54 meters)
Geography of Tennessee
Area: 42,143 square miles (109,247 square kilometers), 36th largest
Land: 41,217 square miles (106,752 square kilometers), 36th largest
Water: 926 square miles (2,395 square kilometers), 44th largest
Coastline: None (landlocked state)
Shoreline: Tennessee is landlocked but is bordered by significant rivers like the Mississippi.
Largest Cities:
- Nashville
- Memphis
- Knoxville
- Chattanooga
- Clarksville
- Murfreesboro
- Franklin
- Jackson
- Johnson City
- Bartlett
- Hendersonville
- Kingsport
- Collierville
- Smyrna
- Germantown
National Parks:
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Shiloh National Military Park
- Stones River National Battlefield
- Andrew Johnson National Historic Site
- Manhattan Project National Historical Park
Tennessee State Symbols
Living Insignia
State Bird: Mockingbird
State Animal: Raccoon
State Amphibian: Tennessee Cave Salamander
State Butterfly: Zebra Swallowtail
State Fish: Smallmouth Bass
State Flower: Iris
State Horse Breed: Tennessee Walking Horse
State Insect: Firefly and Lady Beetle
State Mammal: Tennessee Walking Horse, Raccoon
State Reptile: Eastern Box Turtle
Inanimate Insignia
State Fruit: Tomato
State Gemstone: Tennessee River Pearl
State Soil: Dickson Soil
State Tree: Tulip Poplar
State Quarter: Issued in 2002 featuring a musical heritage with a guitar, trumpet, and fiddle
State Beverage: Milk
State Colors: Orange and White
State Dance: Square Dance
State Food: None designated
State Fossil: Pterotrigonia (Scabrotrigonia) thoracica
State Mineral: Agate
State Rock: Limestone