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Tennessee became the 16^th US state on June1st 1796. Tennessee is also known as the Volunteer state which is a military reference to the troops in the civil war who fought bravely.

Origin of state's name: The name Tennessee owes it origins to the Indian word for town or gathering place.

Capital city: The capital of Tennessee is Nashville which is also known as the country western music capital of the world. The state of Tennessee is surrounded by several other states including Alabama, Georgia, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina and Virginia.

Population: The population of Tennessee is in excess of 5.6 million people based on the last census in 2000.

Driving

Driver's license information, applications, testing requirements, Driver's manuals and testing locations can all be found on the Tennessee Department of Safety's website under the Motor Vehicle section.

http://www.state.tn.us/safety/

Economy: Tennessee is well known throughout the world as horse breeding country and a big agricultural state. Dairy and poultry farming as well as cotton and some tobacco harvesting contribute to the states economy. The state also makes heavy mechanical equipment and specialized scientific instruments.

State Bird: The state bird is the Mocking Bird or Turdus Polyglottus which is characterized by its beautiful singing voice and animated movement. The Mocking Bird is also the state bird for Florida and Arkansas.

State Flower: The state flower is the Iris or Iridaceae which comes in may different colors however the purple Iris is generally considered the state flower.

State Song: Tennessee has may state songs as one might expect from a state known for its famous country music. The following are some of the states songs.

My Tennessee

My Homeland Tennessee

The Tennessee Waltz

State Animal: The state animal is the Raccoon which is a furry little animal known having dark circle of hair around it eyes making it look somewhat like a bandit.

Tennessee – Interesting Facts

• Davy Crockett was a native of Tennessee
• Nashville is home to the infamous Grand Ole Opry
• The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located in Tennessee and is one of the most visited national parks n the country.
• The smoky mountains got their name from the fact that at certain times a greyish, bluish tinge is seen around the mountains from a distance.
• Graceland, the home to Elvis Presley is located in Memphis.
• The National Civil Rights Museum was built at the same location as where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was killed.

Tennessee – Famous People

Many famous people were born and raised in Tennessee and Tennessee is currently home to many famous people. Actors, authors, athletes, entertainers and politicians have all called Tennessee home. Dolly Parton, Aretha Franklin and Tina Turner were all born in Tennessee. Al Gore former US vice president was also born in this great state as was the great actress Dinah Shore and the great author Alex Haley.