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Great Smoky Mountains
Photograph by James Bynum |
The
land of Tennessee stretches from the scenic Great Smoky Mountains of the east 440 miles
to the banks of the Mississippi River in the west. Within Tennessee's 42,145 square miles
of scenic beauty and diversity lives the greatest variety of birds of any state in the union.
But
it is not just the amazing variety of birds that fill the air with song. Music is one of
Tennessee's major traditions and attractions. Memphis holds the title
"Birthplace of the blues". Nashville hosts more than a hundred
recording studios, and is famous as the country music capital of the
world. From Elvis Presley to the Grand Ole Opry, from blues to bluegrass to
country, music is an integral part of the soul and sound of Tennessee.
Yes, music is alive in Tennessee and is evident in the
official state symbols that have been approved through legislative resolution
or have been signed into law. With no less than eleven official state songs, Tennessee makes sure that it
leads the rest of the states when the band begins to play.
THE NAME:
The state of Tennessee was named after the Little Tennessee River.
Originally "Tanasi" the river took its name from two
Cherokee villages on its banks.
Source: Shearer, Benjamin F. and Barbara S. State
Names, Seals, Flags and Symbols Greenwood Press, Westport,
Connecticut - 2001
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THE NICKNAMES:
The Volunteer State: This is the most widely recognized nickname for the state of Tennessee and
one of the most revered. This nickname was earned, during the War of 1812, when thousands of Tennesseans
enlisted in response to Governor Blount's call for volunteers. It also honors the courage of Tennessee
soldiers fighting under General Andrew Jackson in The Battle of New Orleans (Jan 8, 1815).
The Big Bend State: In reference to the Indian name for the Tennessee River, "The river with
the big bend".
The Mother of Southwestern Statesmen: This proud nickname refers to the role Tennesseans have played
in shaping this country's national government. Many elected and non-elected national offices have been held
by Tennesseans including the office of the President of the United States. Three presidents have called
this state home; Andrew Jackson(7th), James K. Polk(11th), and Andrew Johnson(17th).
The Hog and Hominy State: You won't hear Tennessee called the Hog and Hominy State very often today
and, in fact, this nickname is considered obsolete. It refers to the time when Tennessee was a major
producer of corn and pork products; between 1830 and 1840.
The Lion's Den State:
Source: Shearer, Benjamin F. and Barbara S. State
Names, Seals, Flags and Symbols Greenwood Press, Westport, Connecticut - 2001
Source: The Tennessee Blue Book Online - 1991 - Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader |
THE CITIZENS:
People who live in Tennessee or who come from Tennessee are called Tennesseans or Tennesseeans.
But Tennesseans have also been knows as "Volunteers", "Big Benders", or even "Butternuts." The first
two names are obvious references to two of the state's popular nicknames. The third, "Butternuts,"
probably originated during the War between the States and is reference to the tan colored uniforms of
Tennessee soldiers.
Source: The Tennessee Blue Book Online - 1991 - Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader |
THE QUARTER:
On January 14, 2002, Governor Don Sundquist joined U.S. Mint Director Henrietta Holsman Fore and Treasurer
of the United States Rosario Marin at the Country Music Hall of Fame to unveil the 16th state quarter in the 50 State Quarters® Program,
honoring the musical heritage of the “Volunteer State.”
The Tennessee quarter was the first quarter to be released in 2002. A banner reading "MUSICAL HERITAGE"
is what this coin is all about. Featuring a trumpet, a guitar and
a fiddle on a background of sheet music, the coin is a clear tribute to the contributions that Tennessee
has made to the American music collage. The trumpet represents the jazz and blues contributions of
western Tennessee preserved in the Beale Street Historic District of Memphis. The guitar represents
the Country Music tradition of central Tennessee where the world-renowned Grand Ole Opry makes its home
in Nashville. The fiddle represents the Appalachian music of eastern Tennessee and the Great Smokey
Mountains.
The date, 1796, that appears at the top of the coin under "TENNESSEE", is the date that this state,
the 16th to do so, became part of the United States of America.
For more on the state commemorative quarters, visit this page.
This 50 State Quarter Map is a great way to collect and display all 50 State Quarters. |
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