NATIONAL TENNESSEE DAY

National Tennessee Day

NATIONAL TENNESSEE DAY

National Tennessee Day recognizes the Volunteer State on October 26. Tennessee was the 16th state admitted to the Union. The great state brings with it the Great Smoky Mountains, centers for blues and country music, and depth of history that surges through art.

#NationalTennessee Day

As the gateway to the deep south, Tennessee experienced heavy burdens during the Civil War. As a slaveholding state with many Union sympathizers and Union occupying units, Tennessee was often as divided as the country during the war.  It was the only state to have a battle or skirmish in every county.

Nashville, also known as "Music City, U.S.A.," is the heart of the country music world. The energy is electric at legendary venues like the Grand Ole Opry and the historic Ryman Auditorium. A walk down Broadway reveals countless "honky-tonks" with live music pouring out from morning until late at night. Beyond country, the city has a vibrant and diverse music scene. Don't miss the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum for an incredible dive into the genre's history.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, this is the most visited national park in the United States. The sheer beauty and scale are awe-inspiring. The park is famous for its ancient, mist-covered mountains, diverse plant and animal life, and stunning vistas. You can drive the scenic loop in Cades Cove to spot wildlife, hike a portion of the Appalachian Trail, or see breathtaking 360-degree views from Clingmans Dome, the highest point in Tennessee. The blend of accessible drives and rugged trails makes it perfect for all adventurers.

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are two neighboring towns that serve as the bustling gateways to the Great Smoky Mountains. Known for their fun and sometimes kitschy attractions, they are also steeped in Appalachian culture and history. In Gatlinburg, you can explore the 8-mile loop of artisan shops. Pigeon Forge is home to Dollywood, Dolly Parton's famous theme park that beautifully celebrates the music, crafts, and spirit of the Smoky Mountains.

For a complete list of Tennessee State and National Parks & Historic Sites visit www.tnstateparks.com and www.nps.gov. Check out a few of the featured sites around the state below.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL TENNESSEE DAY

Join National Day Calendar as we recognize Tennessee's outstanding voices, art, and history. Delight in all of Tennessee's talent and adventure. Use #NationalTennesseeDay to share on social media.

Famous People From Tennessee

  • The boy born on the Tennessee frontier, David Crocket, grew to legendary proportions in the ink of writers and in the West. During his time in Congress, he built up that reputation. While serving with other volunteer Texan soldiers, Crocket died at The Alamo.

  • Sequoyah brought written language to the Cherokee Nation when he developed an alphabet for the Cherokee language. The achievement wasn't without trials. Accused of sorcery, both Sequoyah and his daughter were almost sentenced to death before they proved they were communicating with written words.

  • Provided an education when it was rare to do so, Sarah Childress Polk was more than prepared to be part of the political atmosphere as a First Lady. History remembers her as both knowledgeable, poised and able regarding both domestic and social responsibilities.

  • A central comedic figure of the Grand Ole Opry, Minnie Pearl entertained the country for more than 50 years. She toured the country with her own brand of backwoods humor, music and storytelling. She took her show on the road and also appeared on television shows like Hee Haw.

  • Archie Campbell's hayseed character brought his brand of humor to the Grand Ole Opry stage and Hee Haw television show as well as touring road shows to generations of fans.

  • Johnny Cash wrote the hardships of his life into his music. The talented musician's tumultuous career lead to a broad variety of music and acting awards.

  • Morgan Freeman first started his acting career on the soap opera, Another World and the PBS children's show, The Electric Company. His enduring career spans more than 45 years.

  • With 18 Grammy Awards, the Queen of Soul earned more than R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Aretha Franklin started singing at a young age in the Baptist church of her father's congregation. She would go on to be an R&B legend who continues to collaborate with artists across genres today.

  • One of the country's most enduring performers, Dolly Parton debuted her first album in 1967. The Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 1969.