The Volunteer State: Fascinating Tennessee Facts You May Not Know

The beautiful mountains of Tennessee - Photo Credit: Ted Erski from Pixabay

Tennessee, similar to North Carolina, has been growing and expanding for the last few years. It’s questionable as to whether or not it’s actually a “flyover state,” but we include it because we love it and because it’s a fan favorite of visitors to the South.

Tennessee is a state that really does have it all. From the mountains of Appalachia, to the deep musical history, to the unending outdoor opportunities for enthusiasts, it’s a state that is no longer a well-kept secret.

We’ve included several interesting facts in this article that highlight what makes Tennessee unique. While we’ve barely even scratched the surface, it at least gives an idea of what makes this state so special.

• The Land of "Three States" - While Tennessee is officially one state, its residents and geographers often treat it like three. This division is so significant that it’s represented on the state flag by three white stars. These are known as the Grand Divisions:

East Tennessee: Defined by the Great Smoky Mountains and a history of Appalachian independence.

Middle Tennessee: Home to Nashville’s rolling hills and the seat of state government.

West Tennessee: The flat, fertile lands between the Tennessee and Mississippi Rivers, centered around Memphis.

The flag of Tennessee

• We Can Thank a Dentist for Cotton Candy - In 1897, a Nashville dentist named William Morrison teamed up with confectioner John C. Wharton to invent "Fairy Floss." It was introduced to the world at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair and became an instant hit. It seems a bit suspicious that a dentist would invent something made of 100% sugar—talk about job security!

• The Most Bordered State (Almost) - Tennessee is a social butterfly. It’s tied with Missouri for the title of the state bordering the most other states. Tennessee shares its borders with eight neighbors: Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Missouri.

• The Underground Wonders - If you think Tennessee is beautiful on the surface, wait until you see what’s underneath.

  The Lost Sea: Located in Sweetwater, this is the largest underground lake in the United States. You can actually take a glass-bottom boat tour 140 feet below the ground.

  Ruby Falls: Located deep inside Lookout Mountain, this is the tallest and deepest underground waterfall open to the public in the country, plunging 145 feet into a limestone cavern.

  Cave Capital: Tennessee has over 10,000 documented caves—more than any other state in the U.S.

• Mountain Dew was a Mixer - Long before it was the neon-green fuel for gamers, Mountain Dew was invented in Knoxville in the 1930s. Brothers Barney and Ally Hartman created it specifically as a lemon-lime chaser for whiskey. In fact, "Mountain Dew" was a slang term for moonshine back in the day.

Old Mountain Dew bottles. Possibly from the 1960’s. Photo Credit: Cburnett on Wikimedia Commons - No changes were made to the original photo. Creative Commons License

• The Great Smoky Mountains: America’s Favorite - The Great Smoky Mountains National Park isn't just a local treasure; it is the most visited national park in the United States. It consistently draws more than double the visitors of the Grand Canyon. Why? Aside from its breathtaking beauty, it is one of the few national parks that does not charge an entrance fee, thanks to the original deed restrictions when the land was transferred to the federal government.

The beautiful Smoky Mountains of Tennessee - Photo Credit: Mary Whalen from Pixabay

• Nashville’s Parthenon - You don’t have to fly to Athens to see Greek architecture. Nashville is known as the "Athens of the South," and in Centennial Park, you’ll find the world's only full-scale replica of the ancient Greek Parthenon. It even contains a 42-foot-tall statue of the goddess Athena, which is the largest indoor statue in the Western Hemisphere.

• A Quick Look at Tennessee Innovations:

  Goo Goo Cluster - The first "combination" candy bar (more than one ingredient).

  Moon Pie - Traditionally paired with an RC Cola for a "working man’s lunch.

  Log Cabin Syrup - Invented by a grocer in 1887 to honor Abraham Lincoln.

  Piggly Wiggly - The first self-service grocery store in the world.

Interior of a Piggly Wiggly Supermarket in Tennessee in 1918

• The Birthplace of "The King" and So Much More - Memphis is the undisputed home of the Blues and the birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley, is the second most-visited private home in the U.S., trailing only the White House. Meanwhile, just down the road in Nashville, the Grand Ole Opry holds the title of the longest-running live radio program in the world, broadcasting continuously since 1925.

• Tennessee Whiskey vs. Bourbon - Don't call it bourbon. While the ingredients are similar, Tennessee Whiskey (like Jack Daniel’s or George Dickel) must undergo the Lincoln County Process. This involves filtering the spirit through 10 feet of sugar maple charcoal before it goes into the barrel. This extra step is what gives Tennessee whiskey its signature smoothness.

• The 10th State Song (Wait, Ten?) - Most states have one official song. Tennessee, being a musical powerhouse, has ten. The most famous is undoubtedly "Rocky Top," which is the unofficial anthem of the University of Tennessee, but the list also includes "Tennessee Waltz" and "The Pride of Tennessee."

• New for 2026: The "NightFlight" and More - Tennessee isn't just resting on its history. In 2026, the state is unveiling a massive expansion at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg, including the "NightFlight Expedition," an immersive night-walking experience. Over in Nashville, the newly renovated Nashville Arcade has reopened as a premier culinary and art destination, blending 19th-century architecture with modern flavors.

• The Legend of the Volunteer State - Ever wonder how Tennessee got its nickname? It wasn't because of a marketing campaign. It was earned during the War of 1812 and the Mexican-American War, when the state's residents volunteered for military service in massive numbers. When the Secretary of War asked for 2,800 soldiers for the Mexican-American War, Tennessee famously sent 30,000.

Old Tennessee postcard

Whether you’re hiking the rugged trails of the Appalachians, chasing waterfalls in the Cumberland Plateau, or soaking up the soul of its iconic cities, Tennessee delivers on every front. It is a state that honors its roots while constantly reaching for what’s next.

There is a reason so many people are choosing to call this place home, but you don't have to move there to feel like you belong. Go for the views, stay for the songs, and discover why Tennessee remains the heart and soul of the American South.

Visit the Tennessee tourism website for more information to help plan your visit.

As a sidenote: I have no affiliation with any of the links that I shared and make no money from promoting them.