Welcome to Tennessee News

 Tennessee, officially the **State of Tennessee**, is a landlocked state in the **Southeastern United States**, famously known as the **Volunteer State**. It became the **16th state** on June 1, 1796. With a population of approximately **7.23 million** (2024 estimate) rising to about **7.32 million** by mid-2025 estimates (ranking around 15th nationally), it covers about 42,181 square miles (36th in area) and features 95 counties.

### Geography and Climate

Tennessee stretches 432 miles east-to-west but only about 112 miles north-to-south, creating distinct **"Grand Divisions"**: East Tennessee (Appalachian mountains, including the Great Smoky Mountains), Middle Tennessee (rolling hills and fertile basins, home to Nashville), and West Tennessee (flat Mississippi River lowlands, including Memphis). It borders Kentucky and Virginia to the north, North Carolina to the east, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi to the south, and Arkansas and Missouri to the west. Major rivers include the Tennessee, Cumberland, and Mississippi. The climate is humid subtropical—hot, humid summers and mild winters—with more varied, cooler conditions in the eastern mountains. This diversity supports hiking, river recreation, agriculture, and scenic drives like the Natchez Trace Parkway.

Major cities (approximate recent estimates):

- **Nashville** (capital and largest city, ~700,000–715,000; "Music City").

- **Memphis** (~600,000–618,000).

- **Knoxville** (~195,000–202,000).

- **Chattanooga** (~185,000–196,000).

- Others: Clarksville, Murfreesboro, Franklin, Johnson City.

### History

The name derives from the Cherokee village "Tanasi." Indigenous peoples, including Cherokee, Chickasaw, and Shawnee, inhabited the region for millennia. European exploration began in the 1500s–1700s, followed by settlement and conflicts. Tennessee was part of North Carolina before becoming a territory; it played key roles in the American Revolution, the War of 1812 (Andrew Jackson's influence), the Civil War (major battles like Shiloh and Chickamauga; divided loyalties), and Reconstruction. The 20th century brought the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) for electrification and flood control, the Manhattan Project at Oak Ridge, and growth in music, manufacturing, and tourism. Its motto is **"Agriculture and Commerce."**

### Culture and Famous For

Tennessee blends Appalachian mountain heritage, Southern traditions, and vibrant urban energy, with a strong emphasis on music, food, and hospitality:

- **Nicknames**: **Volunteer State** (from soldiers in the War of 1812 and Mexican-American War); also the Big Bend State or Hog and Hominy State.

- **Music** — Birthplace and hub of **country music** (Nashville's Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame), with deep roots in blues, rock 'n' roll (Memphis' Sun Studio, Beale Street, Elvis Presley's Graceland), soul, and gospel. It's also home to Dolly Parton and other legends.

- **Food** — Hot chicken (Nashville), barbecue (Memphis-style dry or wet ribs), biscuits and gravy, fried catfish, moon pies, and recent official state food "hot slaw." State beverage is milk; fruit is the tomato.

- **Outdoors and Heritage** — Great Smoky Mountains National Park (most visited in the U.S.), Dollywood, Civil War sites, caves, rivers for rafting/kayaking, and fall foliage. State symbols include the iris (flower), tulip poplar (tree), and bluetick coonhound (dog).

- **Sports** — Strong college football (University of Tennessee Volunteers, Vanderbilt), NBA's Memphis Grizzlies, and minor league baseball.

The culture varies regionally: mountain music and crafts in the east, country/political hub in the middle, and blues/soul in the west. It's known for friendliness, resilience, and cultural exports.

### Economy

Tennessee has a diversified, business-friendly economy with no state income tax on wages (though it has a tax on certain investment income):

- **Key sectors** — Manufacturing (automotive, chemicals), healthcare, tourism, music/entertainment, agriculture (soybeans, cotton, tobacco, livestock), and logistics/distribution (FedEx hub in Memphis).

- Recent highlights include major investments in electric vehicles (e.g., BlueOval City), technology (Oracle in Nashville, xAI in Memphis), and energy. The state has seen strong job growth, population increases in 91 of 95 counties, and economic development projects, especially in rural areas and Memphis. Challenges include workforce development and regional disparities, but overall momentum remains positive with focus on vocational education and business recruitment.

### Government and Current Notes (as of March 2026)

- **Governor**: Bill Lee (Republican), in his second term; this is his final year in office as he is term-limited.

- Tennessee operates with a strong Republican trifecta. The 114th General Assembly (2025–2026 session) convened in January 2026 and is scheduled to adjourn around April 24, 2026. As of late March 2026, the House and Senate continue active floor sessions and committee work, with recent activity including budget amendments, resolutions (e.g., honoring sports teams), and priorities like economic development, education, and workforce readiness. Governor Lee has highlighted investments exceeding $11 billion in 2025 and emphasized fiscal responsibility in his final State of the State address earlier in the year.

For visitors, **VisitTennessee.com** or TN.gov/tourism offers guides to music trails, national parks, Civil War history, food festivals, and urban adventures. Highlights include the Smokies, Nashville's honky-tonks and hot chicken, Memphis barbecue and Graceland, Chattanooga's riverfront and Ruby Falls, or scenic drives and distilleries.

Tennessee offers a rich mix of natural beauty, musical heritage, Southern charm, and modern growth—whether you're into live music, mountain hikes, or big-city energy.