State symbols of Tennessee
Dance	Square dance
Bird	Northern mockingbird Bobwhite quail
Fish	Channel catfish Smallmouth bass
Flower	Iris Passion flower Tennessee echinacea
Tree	Tulip poplar Eastern red cedar
Insect	Firefly Lady beetle Honey bee

Tennessee, officially known as the State of Tennessee, is a state located in the Southeastern part of the United States. It is surrounded by land, sharing borders with eight other states. These include Kentucky and Virginia to the north, North Carolina to the east, and Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi to the south. To the southwest, it borders Arkansas, and to the northwest, Missouri.

Tennessee is the 36th largest state by land area and the 15th most populated among the 50 states. In 2024, about 7.22 million people lived there. The state is divided into three main regions: East, Middle, and West Tennessee. Nashville is the capital and largest city. It is also the center of the state's biggest metropolitan area.

Tennessee has many different types of land, from mountains to flat plains. The Blue Ridge Mountains in the east have some of the highest points in eastern North America. The Cumberland Plateau features beautiful valleys and waterfalls. The middle part of the state has rolling hills and caves. West Tennessee is known for its flat, fertile plains. The Tennessee River flows through the state twice, and the Mississippi River forms its western border. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a very popular national park, is located in eastern Tennessee.

The state's history began with the Watauga Association in 1772. This was one of the first governments west of the Appalachian Mountains. The name "Tennessee" comes from "Tanasi," a Cherokee town. Tennessee was first part of North Carolina, then the Southwest Territory. It became the 16th state on June 1, 1796. It earned the nickname "The Volunteer State" because many of its citizens have served in the military.

During the American Civil War, Tennessee was a slave state and was divided. Most of its western and middle parts supported the Confederacy. However, most of the eastern region supported the Union. Tennessee was the last state to leave the Union and join the Confederacy. It was also the first former Confederate state to rejoin the Union after the war.

In the 20th century, Tennessee changed from a farming state to one with a more varied economy. This was helped by large government projects like the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Also, the city of Oak Ridge was created during World War II for the Manhattan Project. This project developed the first atomic bombs. After the war, the Oak Ridge National Laboratory became a major science research center.

Today, Tennessee's economy relies on health care, music, finance, automotive, chemical, electronics, and tourism. Its main farm products are cattle, soybeans, poultry, corn, and cotton. Tennessee has also been very important in developing many types of popular music. These include country, blues, rock and roll, soul, and gospel.

Understanding the Name "Tennessee"
A Look at Tennessee's Past
Tennessee's Landscape and Regions
How Tennessee is Governed
Cities and Counties in Tennessee
People of Tennessee
- Ethnic Backgrounds
- Religious Beliefs
Tennessee's Economy
Tennessee's Culture and Music
- The Sound of Tennessee: Music History
Learning in Tennessee: Education
- Colleges and Universities
Getting Around Tennessee: Transportation
Sports in Tennessee
Images for kids
See also

Understanding the Name "Tennessee"

Monument near the old site of Tanasi in Monroe County

The exact meaning and origin of the word "Tennessee" are not fully known. Some say it comes from a Cherokee word that might have been changed from an older Yuchi word. It has been thought to mean "meeting place," "winding river," or "river of the great bend." However, some experts believe its meaning is now lost.

A Look at Tennessee's Past

Early Times and First Settlements

An ancient Mississippian-period shell carving from Castalian Springs Mound Site in Sumner County, Tennessee

A rebuilt Fort Loudon, the first British settlement in Tennessee

People first lived in the area now called Tennessee almost 12,000 years ago. These early groups included Paleo-Indians and later, people of the Mississippian culture. The Mississippian people were ancestors of the Muscogee people who lived in the Tennessee River Valley.

The first Europeans to explore Tennessee were Spanish explorers in the 1500s. One explorer, Juan Pardo, wrote down the name "Tanasqui" from a local Native American village. This name later became "Tennessee." At that time, Muscogee and Yuchi tribes lived there. Later, the Cherokee moved south into the area. As more European colonists arrived, Native American populations were forced to move. This included the Muscogee, Yuchi, Chickasaw, Choctaw, and finally, the Cherokee in 1838.

The first British settlement was Fort Loudoun, built in 1756. But fighting broke out with the Overhill Cherokees, and the fort was taken in 1760. Later, in the 1760s, hunters from Virginia explored the area. The first permanent European settlers, mostly of English and Scotch-Irish descent, arrived. They formed the Watauga Association, which was a community built on land leased from the Cherokee.

In 1780, a group called the Overmountain Men gathered at a fort on the Watauga River. They crossed the Appalachian Mountains to fight and defeat the British Army at the Battle of Kings Mountain in South Carolina.

Becoming a State in 1796

Tennessee officially became the 16th state on June 1, 1796. It was the first state created from land controlled by the U.S. federal government.

Cherokee Chief John Ross worked to protect his people's rights.

Between 1838 and 1839, during President Martin Van Buren's time, nearly 17,000 Cherokees were forced to leave their homes in eastern Tennessee. They had to march west to what is now Oklahoma. This difficult journey is known as the "Trail of Tears" because about 4,000 Cherokees died along the way.

Civil War and Rebuilding

On May 7, 1861, Tennessee decided to join the Confederacy. On June 8, 1861, voters approved this decision, making Tennessee the last state to secede from the Union.

Many important battles of the American Civil War happened in Tennessee. Most of these were Union victories. In February 1862, Ulysses S. Grant and the U.S. Navy took control of the Cumberland and Tennessee rivers. They also stopped a Confederate attack at Shiloh in April. Memphis fell to the Union in June. By early 1863, the Union controlled western and middle Tennessee.

The Battle of Franklin in November 1864 was a major battle.

Confederate forces held East Tennessee. In November 1864, the Confederates invaded Middle Tennessee. They were stopped at Franklin and then defeated at Nashville in December.

When the Emancipation Proclamation was announced, most of Tennessee was held by Union forces. This meant the Proclamation did not directly free slaves in Tennessee. However, many enslaved African Americans escaped to Union lines to gain their freedom. Thousands of former slaves later fought for the Union.

Tennessee's legislature banned slavery in the state constitution on February 22, 1865. They also approved the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which ended slavery everywhere, on April 7, 1865.

After the war, white Democrats regained political power in Tennessee. They passed laws that made it harder for African Americans to vote and imposed Jim Crow laws that separated people by race.

Tennessee in the 20th Century

A group of workers at Norris Dam construction site. The TVA helped the state's economy.

On August 18, 1920, Tennessee became the 36th state to approve the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. This amendment gave women the right to vote.

In 1953, the state removed the poll tax from its constitution. This tax had made it difficult for many poor people, both Black and white, to vote. Real change in voter registration came after national civil rights laws were passed in the 1960s.

In 1996, Tennessee celebrated its 200th birthday with a year-long event called "Tennessee 200." A new state park, Bicentennial Mall, was opened in Nashville.

Recent Events in the 21st Century

In April and May 2010, severe flooding hit Middle Tennessee, including Nashville. In 2011, parts of East Tennessee were affected by the April 2011 tornado outbreak.

Tennessee's Landscape and Regions

Map of Tennessee

Tennessee shares borders with eight other states, more than almost any other state. The Tennessee River flows through the state, dividing it into three main parts. The Mississippi River forms its western border.

The highest point in Tennessee is Clingmans Dome at 6,643 feet (2,025 meters). This peak is on the border with North Carolina. The lowest point is the Mississippi River at the Mississippi state line, at 178 feet (54 meters). The middle of the state is near Murfreesboro.

Tennessee is divided into three Grand Divisions: East Tennessee, Middle Tennessee, and West Tennessee. These divisions are important for the state's geography, culture, and even its laws. For example, the state constitution says that no more than two of the five Tennessee Supreme Court justices can be from the same Grand Division.

Tennessee has six main land regions: the Blue Ridge, the Appalachian Ridge and Valley Region, the Cumberland Plateau, the Highland Rim, the Nashville Basin, and the Gulf Coastal Plain. Tennessee also has more than 10,000 documented caves, which is the most in the United States.

Exploring East Tennessee

Map of Tennessee highlighting East Tennessee

The Blue Ridge area is in eastern Tennessee, next to North Carolina. This region has tall mountains and rough land, including the Great Smoky Mountains. The average height of the Blue Ridge area is 5,000 feet (1,500 meters) above sea level. Clingmans Dome, the state's highest point, is here. Much of this area is protected by national forests and parks, like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The Bald Mountains in East Tennessee.

West of the Blue Ridge is the Ridge and Valley region. Here, many smaller rivers join to form the Tennessee River. This area has fertile valleys separated by wooded ridges. The western part of this region is called the Great Valley. Major cities like Knoxville and Chattanooga are in this valley. The Tri-Cities area (Bristol, Johnson City, and Kingsport) is also in East Tennessee.

The Cumberland Plateau rises west of the Tennessee Valley. This area has flat-topped mountains and sharp valleys. Its elevation is usually between 1,500 and 2,000 feet (450 to 600 meters) above sea level.

East Tennessee has important ways to travel, including major airports and interstates. These connect cities like Chattanooga, Knoxville, and the Tri-Cities to the rest of the state and country.

Discovering Middle Tennessee

Map of Tennessee highlighting Middle Tennessee

West of the Cumberland Plateau is the Highland Rim. This is a raised plain that surrounds the Nashville Basin. The Nashville Basin is known for its rich farmland and diverse wildlife.

Middle Tennessee was a popular place for settlers coming from Virginia in the late 1700s and early 1800s. An important trading path called the Natchez Trace connected Middle Tennessee to the lower Mississippi River. Today, a scenic highway follows this historic route.

Middle Tennessee is a major population and transportation hub. It is also the center of state government. Nashville (the capital), Clarksville, and Murfreesboro are its largest cities. Major interstates like I-24, I-40, and I-65 meet in Nashville.

Exploring West Tennessee

Map of Tennessee highlighting West Tennessee

West of the Highland Rim and Nashville Basin is the Gulf Coastal Plain. This area includes the Mississippi embayment. The Gulf Coastal Plain is the largest land region in Tennessee. It stretches from the Tennessee River in the east to the Mississippi River in the west.

The eastern part of this plain has hills along the Tennessee River. West of that is a wide area of rolling hills and streams. This area is called the Tennessee Bottoms. In Memphis, these bottoms end in steep bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. Further west is the Mississippi Alluvial Plain, which is low, flat land with flood plains and swamps. This area is sometimes called the Delta region. Memphis is the economic center of West Tennessee and the state's largest city.

Most of West Tennessee was Native American land until 1818. That's when the Chickasaw tribe gave up their land between the Tennessee and Mississippi rivers.

Tennessee's Climate and Weather

Autumn in Tennessee. A road leads to Lindsey Lake in David Crockett State Park.

Most of Tennessee has a humid subtropical climate. This means it has hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters. The higher mountains in the Appalachians have cooler, more temperate weather. Winds from the Gulf of Mexico bring most of the state's rain.

Tennessee usually gets about 50 inches (127 cm) of rain each year. The rainiest months are usually from December to April. Snowfall varies, from about 5 inches (13 cm) in West Tennessee to over 16 inches (41 cm) in the eastern mountains.

The state averages about 50 days of thunderstorms per year. Some of these can be strong, with large hail and damaging winds. Tornadoes can happen throughout the state, especially in West and Middle Tennessee. On average, Tennessee has 15 tornadoes each year.

How Tennessee is Governed

The Tennessee State Capitol building in Nashville.

Tennessee's government is set up like the U.S. federal government, with three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. The Constitution of Tennessee was adopted in 1870. Nashville has been the state capital since 1826.

Leaders and Lawmakers

The governor leads the executive branch. The governor serves a four-year term and can serve two terms in a row. The governor is the only official elected by the whole state. Many departments and agencies help the governor run the state.

The legislative branch is called the Tennessee General Assembly. It has two parts: the 33-member Senate and the 99-member House of Representatives. Senators serve four-year terms, and House members serve two-year terms. The Speaker of the Senate also serves as the lieutenant governor.

Courts and Justice

Tennessee's highest court is the state Supreme Court. It has a chief justice and four other justices. No more than two justices can be from the same Grand Division of Tennessee. The Supreme Court also appoints the state's Attorney General.

Local Government

Tennessee has 95 counties. Most county governments have a county commission and an elected county executive. Some cities, like Nashville, have their government combined with their county government. Each county also elects a sheriff, who is the main law enforcement officer in most counties.

Cities and Counties in Tennessee

Tennessee has 95 counties and 340 cities and towns. The U.S. government recognizes ten metropolitan areas in Tennessee, with some extending into nearby states.

Nashville is Tennessee's capital and largest city, with almost 700,000 people. Its metropolitan area is one of the fastest-growing in the country, with about 2 million residents. Memphis, with over 630,000 people, was the largest city until Nashville surpassed it in 2016. Memphis is in Shelby County, which is the largest county by population and land area.

Knoxville (about 190,000 people) and Chattanooga (about 180,000 people) are the third and fourth largest cities. Clarksville has about 170,000 residents. Murfreesboro is the sixth-largest city and Nashville's biggest suburb. The Tri-Cities area (Kingsport, Bristol, and Johnson City) is another major population center.

Largest cities or towns in Tennessee Source:
Rank	Name	Pop.
1	Nashville	689,447
2	Memphis	633,104
3	Knoxville	190,740
4	Chattanooga	181,099
5	Clarksville	166,722
6	Murfreesboro	152,769
7	Franklin	83,454
8	Johnson City	71,046
9	Jackson	68,205
10	Hendersonville	61,753

People of Tennessee

Historical population
Census	Pop.	%±
1790	35,691	—
1800	105,602	195.9%
1810	261,727	147.8%
1820	422,823	61.6%
1830	681,904	61.3%
1840	829,210	21.6%
1850	1,002,717	20.9%
1860	1,109,801	10.7%
1870	1,258,520	13.4%
1880	1,542,359	22.6%
1890	1,767,518	14.6%
1900	2,020,616	14.3%
1910	2,184,789	8.1%
1920	2,337,885	7.0%
1930	2,616,556	11.9%
1940	2,915,841	11.4%
1950	3,291,718	12.9%
1960	3,567,089	8.4%
1970	3,923,687	10.0%
1980	4,591,120	17.0%
1990	4,877,185	6.2%
2000	5,689,283	16.7%
2010	6,346,105	11.5%
2020	6,910,840	8.9%
2023 (est.)	7,126,489	12.3%
Source: 1910–2020

In 2020, Tennessee's population was 6,910,840. This was an increase of almost 9% since 2010. Many people have moved to Tennessee from other states because of its lower cost of living and job opportunities.

In 2020, about 5.7% of Tennessee's population was under 5 years old. About 22.1% were under 18, and 17.1% were 65 or older. In 2019, about 5.5% of the people in Tennessee were born in other countries.

Ethnic Backgrounds

Ethnic composition as of the 2020 census
Race and Ethnicity	Alone		Total
White (non-Hispanic)	70.9%	70.9	74.6%	74.6
African American (non-Hispanic)	15.7%	15.7	17.0%	17
Hispanic or Latino	—		6.9%	6.9
Asian	1.9%	1.9	2.5%	2.5
Native American	0.2%	0.2	2.0%	2
Pacific Islander	0.1%	0.1	0.1%	0.1
Other	0.1%	0.1	0.3%	0.3

In 2020, about 6.9% of the population was of Hispanic or Latino origin. This was up from 4.6% in 2010. The Hispanic population in Tennessee grew very quickly between 2000 and 2010. Most Tennesseans who say they have "American ancestry" are of English and Scotch-Irish descent.

Religious Beliefs

Religious affiliation (2014)

Evangelical Protestantism			52%
Unaffiliated			14%
Mainline Protestantism			13%
Historically Black Protestantism			8%
Catholic			6%
Other Christianity			3%
Other faiths			3%
Judaism			1%
Islam			1%

Tennessee has always been mostly Christian. About 81% of the people identify as Christian. Most of these are Protestants. Tennessee is considered one of the most religious states in the nation. Several Protestant church headquarters are located in Tennessee.

Tennessee's Economy

A map showing the median income in Tennessee counties.

In 2021, Tennessee's total economic output was $418.3 billion. The average personal income in 2020 was $30,869. About 13.6% of the population lived below the poverty line. Tennessee is known as a low-tax state. It is one of nine states that does not have a general income tax. The sales tax is the main way the government gets money.

Farming and Agriculture

Tennessee has the eighth-most farms in the nation. These farms cover over 40% of the state's land. Farming adds an estimated $81 billion to the state's economy each year. Beef cattle are the largest farm product, followed by chickens and poultry. Tennessee ranks 12th in the nation for the number of cattle.

Soybeans and corn are the most common crops. They are grown mostly in West and Middle Tennessee. Tennessee is also a top producer of cotton. The state ranks fourth in the nation for tobacco production. Farmers are also known for growing tomatoes and plants for gardens. The Nashville Basin is a top area for horses, especially the Tennessee Walking Horse.

Key Industries

A Nissan Leaf, made at the Nissan Smyrna Assembly Plant, a very large car factory.

Before World War II, Tennessee was mostly a farming state. Industrial growth began with federal projects like the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and the Manhattan Project in the 1930s and 1940s. Today, Tennessee has over 2,400 advanced manufacturing businesses.

The car industry is Tennessee's largest manufacturing sector. Nissan's factory in Smyrna is the largest car assembly plant in North America. Other carmakers like General Motors and Volkswagen also have factories in Tennessee. Many companies that supply parts for cars are also located here.

Tennessee is also a top producer of food and drink products. Many famous brands started or are made in Tennessee. The state is also a large producer of chemicals, including paints and medicines.

Major Businesses and Research

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is a large science research center.

Tennessee's business sector includes many different types of companies. The largest service industries are health care, transportation, music and entertainment, banking, and finance. Big companies with headquarters in Tennessee include FedEx and International Paper in Memphis, and Hospital Corporation of America in Nashville.

The area between Oak Ridge and Knoxville is known as the Tennessee Technology Corridor. It has over 500 high-tech companies. The research and development industry is also very important, especially because of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). ORNL is the largest national laboratory in the Department of Energy system. It does scientific research in many fields, including materials science and energy.

Energy and Resources

Norris Dam, a hydroelectric dam run by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) produces most of the state's electricity. Nuclear power is Tennessee's largest source of electricity, making about 43.4% of its power in 2021. Coal, natural gas, and hydroelectricity also produce power. Tennessee was a leader in hydroelectric power early on.

Tennessee has very little oil and natural gas. Some coal is mined in the Cumberland Plateau. Tennessee is the nation's leading producer of ball clay. Other important minerals include sand, gravel, and crushed stone. The Copper Basin was once a major copper mining area.

Fun Things to Do: Tourism

The town of Gatlinburg is next to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a very popular park.

Tennessee is the 11th most visited state in the U.S. In 2019, it had a record 126 million tourists. The most popular attraction is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which gets over 14 million visitors each year. This park is near Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, where you can find Dollywood, the most visited ticketed attraction in Tennessee.

Many attractions celebrate Tennessee's musical history. These include Sun Studio and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music in Memphis. In Nashville, you can visit the Ryman Auditorium and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Other popular places are Graceland (Elvis Presley's home) in Memphis, and Lookout Mountain and the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga.

The National Park Service protects four American Civil War battlefields in Tennessee. There are also 56 state parks. Many lakes created by TVA dams are also popular for water activities.

Tennessee's Culture and Music

Tennessee's culture mixes Southern Appalachian and general Southern styles. These come from its English, Scotch-Irish, and African roots. Each of the state's Grand Divisions also has its own cultural feel. The Tennessee State Museum in Nashville shows the state's history and culture.

Tennessee is famous for its music. It has played a huge role in developing many types of popular music. These include blues, country, rock and roll, soul, and gospel.

The Sound of Tennessee: Music History

The Grand Ole Opry is a very long-running radio show.

Many people think Memphis's Beale Street is the birthplace of the blues. Musicians like W. C. Handy performed there. Memphis was also home to Sun Records, where stars like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash started their careers. This is where rock and roll began in the 1950s. Stax Records in Memphis was important for soul music.

The 1927 recording sessions in Bristol are often seen as the start of country music. The Grand Ole Opry in the 1930s helped make Nashville the center of the country music industry. Nashville is now known as "Music City." The Grand Ole Opry is still the longest-running radio show in the U.S.

Many museums and historic sites celebrate Tennessee's music. These include Sun Studio in Memphis and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville. Several music festivals happen each year, like the Beale Street Music Festival in Memphis and Bonnaroo in Manchester.

Learning in Tennessee: Education

Education in Tennessee is managed by the Tennessee Department of Education. Public schools are run by county, city, or special school districts. The state also has many private schools.

About 1 million students are in K–12 schools in Tennessee. In 2021, about 88.7% of high school students graduated. Tennessee spends about $9,544 per student, which is one of the lowest amounts in the nation.

Colleges and Universities

Vanderbilt University in Nashville is a top research school.

Public higher education is overseen by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC). The University of Tennessee system has campuses in Knoxville, Chattanooga, Martin, and Pulaski. The Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) runs 13 community colleges and 27 technical colleges.

In 2014, the state created the Tennessee Promise. This program allows high school graduates in Tennessee to attend two-year colleges or trade schools tuition-free. This program helps more people get a college education.

Tennessee has 107 private colleges. Vanderbilt University in Nashville is a highly ranked research institution. Nashville is sometimes called the "Athens of the South" because it has so many colleges. Tennessee is also home to six historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

Getting Around Tennessee: Transportation

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) manages the state's roads and transportation. Tennessee is one of five states with no transportation-related debts.

Roads and Highways

Interstate 40 crosses Tennessee and serves its three largest cities.

Tennessee has over 96,000 miles (154,000 km) of roads. About 1,233 miles (1,984 km) are part of the Interstate Highway System. Tennessee does not have any toll roads or bridges.

Interstate 40 (I-40) is the longest Interstate in Tennessee, stretching for 455 miles (732 km). It connects Memphis, Nashville, and Knoxville. Other major Interstates include I-24, I-55, I-65, I-75, I-81, and I-26.

Airports and Flights

Memphis International Airport is a very busy cargo airport.

Major airports in Tennessee include Nashville International Airport (BNA), Memphis International Airport (MEM), and McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) near Knoxville. Memphis International Airport is the hub for FedEx Corporation. This makes it the world's second-busiest cargo airport.

Trains and Waterways

For passenger trains, Memphis and Newbern are served by the Amtrak City of New Orleans line. Nashville has a commuter rail service called the WeGo Star. Tennessee has over 2,600 miles (4,200 km) of freight train tracks.

Tennessee also has 976 miles (1,571 km) of navigable waterways, including the Mississippi, Tennessee, and Cumberland rivers. The Port of Memphis is one of the largest inland ports in the United States.

Sports in Tennessee

Tennessee's major professional sports teams. Clockwise from upper left: Tennessee Titans, Nashville Predators, Nashville SC, and Memphis Grizzlies.

Tennessee is home to four major professional sports teams:

The Tennessee Titans (NFL football)
The Nashville Predators (NHL hockey)
The Memphis Grizzlies (NBA basketball)
Nashville SC (MLS soccer)

The state also has eight minor league teams, including baseball, soccer, and ice hockey teams.

The Tennessee Volunteers football team.

Tennessee has 12 NCAA Division I college sports programs. Four of these play in the top level of college football. The Tennessee Volunteers and Vanderbilt Commodores play in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The Memphis Tigers are in the American Athletic Conference, and the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders are in Conference USA.

Tennessee is also home to the Bristol Motor Speedway, which hosts NASCAR Cup Series races. The Nashville Superspeedway also hosts NASCAR races.

Images for kids

The official flag of Tennessee.
The official seal of Tennessee.
A map showing Tennessee's location in the United States.
A map of Tennessee's state route system.
The Tennessee state quarter, released in 2002.

Tennessee facts for kids

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