Last updated: April 6, 2023

I spent a majority of my life in Tennessee and even renovated an old farmhouse with my husband which we lived in for 12 years before moving to Alabama.

I grew up in Sweetwater which, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, is home to Americas largest underground lake, the Lost Sea. Additionally, we like our music so much, we have ten state songs (we really do; I looked this up). Here they are in case you’re curious and yes; Rocket Top is there!

This was taken on US Hwy 72 between Bridgeport, AL and South Pittsburg, TN. You’re able to cross the road and take the Alabama road sign as well!

*My mom (who took the above photo and the one in front of the Alabama road sign).*

Let’s Learn About Tennessee

1925: “My Homeland, Tennessee,” by Nell Grayson Taylor and Lamont Smith
1935: “When It’s Iris Time in Tennessee,” by Willa Waid Newman
1955: “My Tennessee,” by Frances Hannah Tranum
1965: “Tennessee Waltz,” by Redd Stewart and Pee Wee King
1982: “Rocky Top,” by Boudleaux and Felice Bryant
1992: “Tennessee,” by Vivian Rorie
1996: “Pride of Tennessee,” by Fred Congdon, Thomas Vaughn and Carol Elliot
1996: “Tennessee Bicentennial Rap,” by Joan Hill Hanks
2010: “Smoky Mountain Rain,” by Kye Fleming & Dennis Morgan
2012: “Tennessee,” by John R. Bean

Ok, so other than not being able to make up our mind on songs, what else is there to know about Tennessee?

Established: June 1, 1796 as the 16th state
Capital (and largest city): Nashville
Firearm: Barrett M82 (yes, Tennessee has an official state gun)
Population: 6.9M (2020 census)
Shares first place with Missouri for the state with the most boarders (touches 8 states!)
Insect: Firefly, lady beetle, honeybee
Median household income: $54,833
Birthplace of the tow-truck
Aside from the White House, Graceland is the most visited house in America (in 2016, it celebrated its 20 millionth visitor!).
Mammal: Raccoon / Tennessee walking horse
Reptile: Eastern box turtle
Bird: Mockingbird / Bobwhite quail
Butterfly: Zebra swallowtail
Nickname: Volunteer State
Dance: Square dance
Food: Tomato
Drink: Milk
Slogan: Tennessee – America at its best
Flower: Iris / Passion flower / Tennessee echinacea
Gemstone: Tennessee river pearl