TENNESSEE FROM A-Z

A IS FOR AGRICULTURE, AMISH, ARCHAEOLOGY, & ARTS

• The Tennessee AGRICULTURE Service provides information about agriculture in the state. Agriculture is an important part of life in Tennessee and nearly half of the state is covered by farmland. Livestock and livestock products account for more than half of the agriculture in Tennessee. The state is a leader in the production of cotton and cotton made Memphis a major port on the Mississippi River. Soybeans, corn, and tobacco grow in Eastern and Middle Tennessee. Soil erosio is a major concern. Information about agriculture is provided by the National Agriculture Statistic Service and AG in the Classroom. The most glamourous product of the state is probably the Tennessee Walking Horse which is the State Horse. Tennessee has 4-H Clubs and chapters of Future Farmers of America.

• The Amish way of life largely revolves around working and socializing together as a family and community. In 1944, Amish people established a community in northern Lawrence County. The Old Order Amish community is still in existence and is considered a tourist attraction.

• Tennessee has ARCHAEOLOGY and Palenontoloty events for kids, families and schools. The Tennessee Archaeology Network promotes and publicizes archaeology research in the state. The Tennessee Archaeology Council has responsibilities mandated by legislation. The East Tennesse Historical Society preserves the stories, artifacts, and events of the region. Old Stone Fort is a State Archaeology Park and has programs about the Woodland Indians.

• The Tennesse ARTS Commission supports hundreds of art organizations in the state. The Tennessee Art League promotes art through workshops, exhibits, and scholarships. Cheekwood is an estate that includes Tennesse Fine Arts Center and Tennessee Botanical Gardens. Brooks Museum of Art in Memphis includes American portraits and sculptures. The Carl Van Vechten Museum of Art at Knoxville University has collections of art by African-Americans.

• Tennessee has BEACHES on lakes and rivers. Many of the State Parks have beaches. Long Island Beach and Willow Beach are Historical Beaches.

• Over 300 species of BIRDS reside in or migrate through Tennessee including Bald e. The Mockingbird is the Tennessee State Bird. The State Game Bird is the Bobwhite Quail. Southeast Tennessee has some special places for bird watching. The Fish & Wildlife Service has a migratory Bird Field Station.

• Tennessee has over 19,000 BRIDGES over public roads including covered bridges. The covered bridge at Elizabethton and Carter County is one of 2 covered bridges in the state identified by a Historical Marker. The state also has suspension and swinging bridges. Foothills Parkway Bridge is the first of 10 bridges needed to complete the Foothills Parkway. Natchez Parkway is a dual concrete arch bridge and is considered one of the 7 man-man wonders of the country. Gateway Blvd. Bridge is an arch bridge. Tennessee has over a dozen natural arch bridges. There are several bridges across the Tennessee River at Knoxville.

• Tennessee has several Scenic BYWAYS. The Ocoee Scenic Byway was the first designated national forest scenic byway in the country. The Natches Trace Parkway follows a historic Indian and Pioneer trail. The Old Hickory Nature Trail near Old Hickory Lake is part of the National Trails System. The Appalachian Trail passes through Tennessee. The state has many other types of trails including Horse Trails and celebrates National Trails Day. Fort Cass is part of the U.S. Flagship Trail. Tennessee has many Roadside Attractions.

• In the early History of Tennessee, 4 different towns served as the CAPITAL - Knoxville, Kingston, Murfressboro, and Nashville. Nashville was chosen as the capital and is also known as the Capital of Country Music. The Capitol Building is made of Tennessee stone and marble and modeled after a Greek Temple. Reelfoot lake is called the "Turtle Capital of the World". Oak Ridge is known as the Energy Capital of the World.

• Tennesse has all forms of COMMUNICATIONS including radio, television, newspapers, telephone, and internet. The Grand Ole Opry is the longest running radio program in the world. Tennesse has 6 telephone area codes. There are many Webcams in Tennesee.

• Tennessee has 95 COUNTIES. The largest county is Shelby and Trousdale is the smallest. Shelby has the largest population and Picket has the smallest. The oldest town in the state is Jonesborough. The term "county" is used in 48 of the 50 states for the local government below the State Govrnment.

• Tennessee has many DAMS including small agricultural dams and large hydroelectric dams. The Tennessee Valley Authority maintains 29 conventional hydroelectric dams throughout the Tennessee River system and one pumped-storage facility for the production of electricity. In addition, 4 Alcoa dams on the Little Tennessee River and 8 Corps of Engineers dams on the Cumberland River contribute to the TVA power system. Norris Dam was the first dam built by the TVA and is a State Park. Visitors are welcome to tour the TVA dams and steam plants. The Tennessee River has 9 dams. The dozens of reservoirs created by dams are known as the Great Lakes of the South. The American Museum of Science and Energy in Oak Ridge is one of the largest energy exhibits in the world and has computer games, live demonstrations, and hundreds of displays. The South Holston Dam is the third largest earthen dam in the world. Raccoon Mountain is one of the largest hydro projects in the country. Wind Power and Solar Power are being investigated, and 2 types of Geothermal Power are used commercially.

• The only DINOSAUR fossils ever found in Tennessee were of the hadrosaur (duck-billed dinosaur) Edmontosaurus. It's a well known herbivore (plant-eater) that lived during the Cretaceous Period. The State Fossil is Pterotrigonia Thoracica. Tennessee has an interesting paleontology history.

• Tennessee has experienced many EARTHQUAKES. The New Madrid earthquake in 1811 was the largest earthquake in American History. The earthquake sunk a large piece of forest in northern Tennessee. Reefoot Lake and Lake Counties was formed during this earthquake.

• Free Public EDUCATION is available from the age of 5 thru the age of 17. The Department of Education oversees education in the state. The Division of Special Education promotes educational services and programs for all children in Tenneseee with special needs. The Office of Adult Education has Adult Secondary Educational Programs, Families Programs, and General Educational Development Programs. The Tennessee Aquarium has Educational Programs. The Great Smokey Mountains National Park offers Environmental Education Programs for students. GreatSchools and SchoolBug provide information about schools in Tennessee.

• Tennessee has Special EVENTS and festivals throughout the year including State and County Fairs. Opryland is now Opry Mills - a megaentertainment center. Tennessee has the Longest Yard Sale in the World extending 450 miles. Knoxville was home to the 1982 World's Fair. The state observes fixed Public Holidays and other special days.

• Tennessee has over 150 species of native FISH. The Largemouth Bass is the State Game Fish and the Channel Catfish is the State Commercial Fish. A Federal Fish hatchery is located near Dale Hollow Lake. There are 35 aquatic and terrestrial species in the state. The Tennessee Aquarium is one of the largest fresh water aquariums in the world. Tennesse has 2 National Fish Hatcheries. The Erwin National Fish Hatchery has tours and a wildlife viewing area. Tennesse also has a large variety of mussels and snails

  The three stars on the State FLAG represent the three different land forms in Tennessee. The state has had a variety of flags and some counties have a flag. The Tennessee Institute for Flag Studies is dedicated to the pursuit of Flag Research. The United South & Eastern Tribes have a flag

  li Tennesse has FOOD Festival, Shows, and Events. The state is known for its Southern Appalachian food. Tennessee has 3 edible state symbols - bobwhite quail, largemouth bass, and tomato. Food Banks throughout the state provide food for those in need.

• The Iris is the State FLOWER, and an Iris festival is held every year in Dresden. The Passion Flower is the State Wildflower. A Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage is an annual 7-day event in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park.

• Tennessee has 7 GHOST TOWNS. Indian Gap has graves and a mysterious wall. Chuckalisa is a tourist center with a small village. Most of the town of Rugby has been restored. Sunshine has a few residents.

  

• The GLOBAL position of Tennesse is approximately 36 degrees north and 84 degrees west. Rutherford County is the geographic center of the state. The highest point is Clingmans Dome, and the lowest point is in Shelby County on the Mississippi River. Tennessee is bordered by 8 states and has 2 natural boundaries - the Mississippi River to the west and the Appalachian mountains to the east. NOAA provides information about the Topography of Tennessee. Geocaching is a treasure hunt using a global positioning system, and there are many geocaches in Tennessee.

• The GOVERNMENT of Tennessee is similar to that of the Federal Government and has operated under its present consitution since 1870. The County Technical Assitance Service helps county officials develop and regulate ideas and improve services to citizens in the state.

• Tennessee has many HISTORIC SITES including some from Colonial Wars, The Revolutionary War, The War of 1812, and Civil War. Chattanooga Choo-Choo is a historical landmark. There are also has many historical forts, Civil War Defenses, and Camps. Johnsonville Batteries, James White Fort, Fort Pillow, and Fort Loudoun are State Historic Parks. Fort Nashborough has been rebuilt to show what life was like at the time of the fonding of Nashville. Fort Donelson is a National Cemetery, and part of the National Park System has 10 historic sites. The Tennessee Preservation Trust identifies threatened historic resources in the state.

• The HISTORY of Tennessee dates back 12,00 years ago. Recorded history began in 1540. Tennessee has hundreds of MUSEUMS. The Tennessee State Museum is one of the largest state museums in the country. Nashville Toy Museum has hundreds of toy trains, boats, soldiers, dolls, and bears. Tennessee participates in National History Day. The Seeing Eye Dog organization began in Nashville.

• Major INDUSTRIES in Tennessee include chemicals, transportation equipment, rubber, and plastics. mining is an important industry in parts of the state. Country and Western music and tourism are also major industries. The equine(horse) industry is an important part of the agriculture industry in Tennessee. The Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame/Museum preserves the history of the towing and recovery industry. The state sponsors an Industries Week with courses for nuclear and other industries. Automobile manufacturing and energy facilities are a growing industry. Trade Shows are held throughout the year in the state. The first supermarket in the world was in Memphis and called the Piggly Wiggly.

• Tennesse has a variety of INSECTS and 2 official state insects - the firefly and the ladybug.The Honeybee is the State Agricultural Insect. Tennessee has several species of butterflies. The State Butterfly is the Zebra Swallowtail. Two species of scorpions are found in Tennessee.

• Tennesse has over 400 ISLANDS on lakes and rivers. Sunrise Towhead is the largest island. Mud Island is accessible by footbridge and monorail and is home to the River Walk and the Mississippi River Museums. Presidents Island is a State Wildlife Management Area.

• JAZZ is popular in Tennesse and Jazz Bands are located throughout the state. Jazz is promoted by the Tennessee Jazz and Blue Society which hosts an annual 3 day Jazz festival every year. Watertownhas a Jazz festival. Middle Tennessee State University has a Jazz Orchestra.

• Tennessee has KARST and caves. Grassy Cove Karst Area is a National Natural Landmark. The Karst Waters Institute provides information about karst water systems. The US Geological Survey provides information about carbonate-rock aquifers. Tennessee has more than 8,000 documented caves including several Show Caves and grottos. Twin caves under Lookout Mountain are called Lookout Mountain Caverns. Forbidden caverns near Sevierville were originally inhabited by Native Americans and have natural chimneys, waterfalls, and underground streams. Crystal Shrine Grotto is a handmade cave of Bible scenes. Tennessee Cave Survey is devoted to the discovery and mapping of caves in the state. The National Speological Society has chapters in Tennessee.

• Many aspects of life in Tennessee focus on KIDS. The state has a Fun for Kids Page. The State Fire Marshall's Office and the TVA each have a kids page. The Health Deapartment also has a kids page.

• Tennesse has hundreds of LAKES. Most of the lakes were created by building dams for flood control. The Lost Sea in Sweetwater is considered to be the second largest underground lake in the world. A peninsula on the Tennessee-Kentucky border is called Land Between the Lakes and is a National Recreation Area. Cheatham Lake features a waterfowl refuge and game management area. Dale Hollow Lake has all water sports including scuba diving.

• Public LIBRARIES are located throughout Tennessee. The State Library and Archives has information on Tennesse history. Vanderbilt University Library and the University of Tennesee Library have academic and scolarly collections. There are also libraries in the Universities, colleges, and schools. Kingsport has one of the largest printing and bookbinding plants in the country. Fort Comstach is now Lawson McGhee Library. Jonesborough has a National Storytelling Festival.

• Tennessee is home to 2 MILITARY installations - Arnold Air Force Base, and Naval Air Station Memphis. Mid-South Naval Support Activity is located near Memphis. Shiloh National Military Park has a Civil War Library and exhibits of relics and maps in the Visitor Center and is often the scene of Civil War re-enactments. The US Army Corps of Engineers has projects in Tennessee. The Tennessee Military Department is divided into 4 organizations - the Tennessee Army National Guard, the Tennessee Air National Guard, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, and The all-volunteer Tennessee State Guard.

• A large variety of MINERALS and rocks are found in Tennesse and the state leads the country in the production of zinc. Coal is the most valuable mineral and most of it comes from underground mines. The Tennesse Division of Geology is one of the oldest geologic service and research organization in the country Limestone is the Tennessee State Rock. The State Gem is the River Pearl. The The U.S. Geological Survey has programs in Tennessee.

• Tennesse MOUNTAINS offer a wide range of activities. The Great Smoky Mountains is a National Park and creates a border between Tennessee and North Carolina. Seven states can be seen from the top of Lookout Mountain. Tennessee has 13 mountain peaks over 6,000 feet.The Incline Railway which goes up the side of Lookout Mountain is the steepest passenger incline in the world. There are many tunnels under mountains.

• Nashville is the home of Country MUSIC. Memphis is home of The Blues. Eastern Tennesee is considered the center of Bluegrass music. The Country Museum Hall of Fame and Museum is in Nashville. Tennesse has several official State Songs. Tennessee has 4 opera companies, Chattanooga Symphony and Opera, Knoxville Opera Company, Nashville Opera Association, Opera Memphis, and several Symphony Orchestras. The State Dance is the Square Dance and there are several square dance and round dance clubs.

• One of the explanations as to how Tennesse got its NAME is that it originated from the word Tanasi, the names of Cherokee villages on the Tennessee River. Tennessee has several nicknames including the Volunteer State, The Big Bend State, Mother of Southwestern Statesmen, and Hog/Hominy State. Residents are called Tenneseeans and sometimes called Butternuts which first applied to Tennessee soldiers during the Civil War because of the tan color of their uniforms. Oak Ridge is called the Home of the Atomic Bomb.

• NATIVE AMERICANS were the first inhabitants of Tennessee and were known as Mound Builders. When they left, Cherokees claimed the northern part of Eastern and Middle Tennessee, Creeks the Southeastern Tennessee, and the Chickasaws Western Tennessee. Sequoyah is the only known man in the history of the world to single-handedly develop an alphabet. Tennessee has been home to several Indian Tribes but it does not have any Federally-Recognized Tribes. However, many Federally recognized Tribes/First Nations have historical ties to Tennessee and the state has 3 Federally non-recognized Tribes including the Cumberland Creek Indian Confederation, Etowah Cherokee Nation, and Red Clay Band of S.E. Cherokee Confederacy. Chucalissa Indian Village and Museum is the site of a Native American Village.

• Tennesse has several Observatories and planetariums. Astronomy groups and programs are located throughout the state. The Jones Observatory at the University of Tennesee at Chattanoga was the first large public observatory in the south. Cumberland Science Museum has a planetarium.

• Tennessee has a variety of PARKS including a National Park, State Parks, and county and city parks. The Great Smokey Mountains is the most visited National Park in the country and Bays Mountain Park is one of the largest city parks in the country. Theme parks include Centennial Park which has a full-sized replica of the Parthenon, Dollywood, and Mud Island in Memphis that represents the history of the Mississippi River.
  
• Tennessee has a population of about 5 1/2 million PEOPLE. According to the Tennessee census, 1 in 5 Tenneseans trace their roots directly to the Scots-Irish settlers of the 18th century. Many famous people have called Tennesee their home. Hernando de Soto was the first European to explore what is now Tennessee. Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley, is the second most visited house in the country. Three presidents came from Tennessee - Andrew Jackson, James Polk, and Andrew Johnson. The Hermitage, home of Andrew Jackson, is the fourth most visited President's home in the country. David Farragut was the first Admiral in the U.S. Navy. The home of Alvin York, a renowned hero of World War I, is a National Historic Landmark.

• The U.S. Mint issued a QUARTER for each state according to its admission date. Tennessee was admitted the the Union on June 1, 1796, and a Tennessee quarter was issued in 2002. The U.S. Mint has a special Kids Page.

• QUILTING is popular in Tennessee and Quilting Guilds are found throughout the state. There are also Weaving Guilds - Tennessee Hendersonville - Middle Tennessee Fiber Guild Nashville - Handweavers Guild of Nashville .
• Take a quiz about Tennessee.

• Tennessee has 3 major REGIONS - Eastern, Middle, and Western. The state has 6 land regions - Gulf Coastal Plain, Highland Rim, Nashville Basin, Appalachian Ridge, Appalachian Plateau, and Blue Ridge.

• Tennessee has a variety of REPTILES and amphibians including salamanders, frogs, toads, turtles, lizards, and snakes. The State Reptile is the Box Turtle. Tennessess has several species of salamanders and the State Amphibian is the Cave Salamander. Tennesse has an Amphibian Monitoring Program

• Tennessee has many RIVERS. The 3 major rivers are the Mississippi, the Cumberland, and the Tennessee. The rivers are an important means of transportation. There is canoeing and float water rafting on several rivers, and a wild and scenic river. The Ocoee River in southeastern Tennessee is one of the top white water recreational rivers in the country and was the site of the Olympic White Water Canoe/Kayak competition in 1996. The Lower Mississippi is designated an American Heritage River. Memphis is the largest port city on the Mississippi River.

• Tennessee has all forms of SPORTS including national, professional, college, high school, and league. Recreational sports include tennis, golfing, swimming, and hiking. The state hosts the National Indoor Tennis Tournament and the FedEx St. Jude Golf Classic (formerly the Danny Thomas Memphis Golf Classic. The largest artificial skiing surface in the world is located at the Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort. Neyland Stadium at the University of Tennessee is the second largest on-campus stadium in the country. The base of the Pyramid Arena is as wide as 6 football fields. The Bristol Motor Speedway draws nearly 200,00 on NASCAR race day. The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame is in Nashville. The first Miniature Golf Course in the country was in Chattanoga.

• The Roman numerals XVI on the STATE SEAL indicate that Tennessee was the 16th state to enter the union. The plow, wheat, and cotton stalk symbolize the importance of agriculture, and the riverboat indicates the importance of river traffic.

• Tennessee has a State TARTAN and celebrates a href="National Tartan Day."> National Tartan Day. Gatlinberg sponsors a Scottish Festival and Games. Highland Games are played at Middle Tennessee State University. Other Highlands games are played throughout the state.

• The Tennessee Department of TRANSPORTATION maintains 16% of the highways in the state. TDOT is also responsible for aviation, public transit, waterways, and railroads. Tennessee has an Adopt-A-Highway Program. The state has more then 75 special license plates. The Federal Highway Administration provides information on traffic and road closures in the state. The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum in Chatanooga is the largest operating railroad museum in the South. To celebrate its 50th birthday in 2002, Matchbox Cars issued a vehicle for each state in the order in which it was admitted to the Union, and the vehicle for Tennessee was the Nissan Xterra.

• Tennesse has both public and private UNIVERSITIES. The University of Tennessee has campuses in Knoxville, Chattanoga, Martin, and Memphis. The University of the South is a seminary of the Episcopal Church. Vanderbilt University has a distinguished Medical Center. Lincoln Memorial University has one of the largest collections of Lincoln memorabilia in the country. The state also has community and technical colleges.

• Four ships of the United States Navy (and two ships of the Confederate States Navy) have been named USS TENNESSEE. The 1st USS Tennessee was a wooden screw frigate built as Madawaska. The 2nd USS Tennessee (ACR-10) was the lead ship of her class of armored cruiser. The 3rd USS Tennessee (BB-43) was the lead ship of her class of battleship. In some places this is called the 5th USS Tennesse. The 4th USS Tennessee (SSBN-734) is an Ohio-class submarine. In some places this is called the 2nd ship named for the state. Correct information is welcome. Please send to me via guest book.

• Tennessee has 8 Ecoregions and a wide variety of VEGETATION including many types of trees. The State Tree is the Tulip Poplar. Hickory Pine oak trees forest half the state. Tennessee has over 200 Big Tree Champions. The Cherokee National Forest is open year-round and offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Tennesee has a Vegetation Mapping Program. The Nature Conservancy helps preserve the land in Tennessee.

• Tennessee does not have any active VOLCANOS but evidence of earlier volcanism is present in many areas.

• Tennessee has over 300 WATERFALLS. There are nearly a dozen waterfalls in Monroe County. Ruby Falls is the highest underground waterfall in the country open to the public. Fall Creek Falls is a State Resort Park and is the highest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains.

• Except in the mountains, Tennessee has temperate WEATHER most of the year. Spells of cold weather and snow do not last very long. Cold weather and snow are common in winter in eastern Tennesee. Tornodoes occasionally touch down in Tennessee. Global Warming" could effect Tennessee. NOAA provides activities for kids about weather.

• Tennessee has over 75 species of WILDLIFE. The State Wild Animal is the Raccoon. Tennesse has nearly 100 endangered animals and plants. The state has Wildlife Management Areas. The Appalachian Bear Center rehabilitates orphaned and injured bears and returns them to the wild. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has a youth-only turkey hunt. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect, and enhance, fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats. Tennesse has 7 National Wildlife Refuges and 4 Wildlife Management Areas. The Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge is a resting and feeding area for wintering waterfowl, migratory birds, and resident wildlife. Tennessee is part of the Wildlife Protection Program.

XMAS is the common abbreviation for Christmas and it is celebrated in Tennessee much like the rest of the country and around the world. There are many Christmas Tree Farms in Tennessee, and the National Christmas Tree Association has information about Christmas trees and games &. Y IS FOR YMCA & YOUTH HOSTEL

• The YMCA is an active organization in Tennessee. The YMCA of Middle Tennessee has 20 centers. The YMCA of East Tennessee has 5 branches.

• Tennessee has YOUTH HOSTELS in Erwin, Gatlingburg, Knoxville, and Memphis. The state also has Elder Hostels.

Z IS FOR ZIP CODES, ZONE, & ZOOS

• ZIPCODES in Tennessee all start with the number 3. The use of zipcodes began in 1963. The postal code for Tennessee is TN.

• Tennessee is in the Central Time ZONE and follows Daylight Savings Time.The state is in the USDA plant hardiness zone 6 and 7.

• Tennessee has 3 ZOOS and 2 internationally known aquariums. Knoxville Zoological Park has one of the largest collections of big cats in the country. The Memphis Zoo and Aquarium has a collection of More than 2,000 animals. There are several Petting Zoos in Tennessee. Deer Farm is an exotic petting zoo. The Nashville Zoo includes a zoo, working farm, and a playground that is the largest community built playground in the world of its kind.

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