Tennessee is a state that’s brimming with history, natural beauty, and a rich cultural heritage. While most people are familiar with its iconic music scene and the Great Smoky Mountains, there’s so much more to discover about the Volunteer State.
Get ready to be amazed as we delve into the lesser-known and intriguing facts about Tennessee!
Related: Everything You Need To Know About El Niño
1. The Bell Witch: Tennessee is home to the famous Bell Witch legend. In the early 19th century, a family in Adams, Tennessee, claimed to be tormented by a vengeful ghost. The story continues to captivate locals and paranormal enthusiasts to this day.
2. The Nutty Professor Connection: Did you know that the 1963 comedy classic “The Nutty Professor” was set in Tennessee? The fictional university where Professor Julius Kelp works is actually inspired by Tennessee State University.
3. The Lost Sea: Located in Sweetwater, Tennessee, the Lost Sea is the largest underground lake in the United States. Visitors can take a boat tour and explore this fascinating subterranean wonder.
4. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library: Tennessee is the birthplace of Dolly Parton, and she has left an incredible legacy through her Imagination Library. This program provides free books to children from birth to age five, fostering a love for reading.
5. The Grand Ole Opry: Known as the “Home of Country Music,” the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville is the longest-running radio broadcast in American history. It has been entertaining audiences with live country music performances since 1925.
6. The World’s Shortest Highway Tunnel: Elizabethton, Tennessee, boasts the world’s shortest highway tunnel. The Sycamore Shoals Tunnel spans just 47 feet but serves as a unique testament to the state’s engineering quirks.
Related: 25 Facts You Never Knew About Cranberries
7. The Great Moonshine Conspiracy Trial: During the Prohibition era, Tennessee played a significant role in the production of moonshine. In 1935, the infamous Great Moonshine Conspiracy Trial took place in Chattanooga, revealing the extent of this underground industry.
8. Birthplace of Mountain Dew: That’s right! The popular soft drink, Mountain Dew, was created in Knoxville, Tennessee, in the 1940s. It began as a mixer for whiskey but soon gained popularity as a standalone beverage.
9. The Parthenon Replica: Nashville is home to a full-scale replica of the ancient Parthenon in Athens, Greece. Built in 1897, this remarkable structure stands as a tribute to the city’s nickname, the “Athens of the South.”
10. The Secret City: During World War II, a top-secret city known as Oak Ridge was established in Tennessee as part of the Manhattan Project. It played a vital role in the development of the atomic bomb.
11. The BellSouth Building: Nicknamed the “Batman Building” due to its resemblance to the superhero’s emblem, the BellSouth Building in Nashville is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city’s skyline.
12. The Legend of the White Screamer: In East Tennessee, there’s a legend about a ghostly white wolf-like creature known as the White Screamer. It is said to haunt the mountains and emit eerie screams, sending shivers down the spines of those who hear it.
13. The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum: If you’re a fan of quirky museums, head to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, to visit the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum. It houses over 20,000 sets of salt and pepper shakers from around the world, making it a unique and eccentric attraction.
14. The Birthplace of the Blues: Memphis, Tennessee, holds a significant place in music history as the birthplace of the blues. Legends like B.B. King, Howlin’ Wolf, and Elvis Presley all honed their craft in this vibrant city.
Related: America’s Forgotten Racist Coup
15. The King’s Graceland: Speaking of Elvis Presley, his former home, Graceland, is located in Memphis. It’s one of the most visited private residences in the United States and offers fans a glimpse into the life of the iconic rock ‘n’ roll legend.
16. The Bell Witch Cave: As if the Bell Witch legend wasn’t captivating enough, you can explore the Bell Witch Cave in Adams, Tennessee. It’s believed to be the site where the infamous Bell Witch spirit resided.
17. The Walking Horse Celebration: Every year, the town of Shelbyville hosts the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration. It’s a grand event featuring competitions, parades, and celebrations dedicated to the state’s official horse breed.
18. The Scopes Monkey Trial: Dayton, Tennessee, gained worldwide attention in 1925 during the Scopes Monkey Trial. The trial centered around the teaching of evolution in schools and became a landmark case in the history of science and education.
19. The Forbidden Caverns: Deep beneath the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains lies an enchanting natural wonder known as the Forbidden Caverns. Guided tours take visitors through a labyrinth of stunning rock formations and underground waterfalls.
20. The Tennessee Aquarium: Chattanooga is home to the Tennessee Aquarium, one of the largest freshwater aquariums in the world. It showcases a diverse range of aquatic life, including fascinating exhibits on river ecosystems and oceanic habitats.
Related: Get Tough, Work Harder
Tennessee is a state filled with hidden gems, intriguing legends, and cultural treasures. From mysterious caves to musical legacies, it offers something for everyone. So, the next time you find yourself in the Volunteer State, take the opportunity to explore its lesser-known wonders and immerse yourself in its captivating history.
And there you have it! We hope you find these facts about Tennessee both entertaining and informative!
[Image via YouTube]
