Interesting Things You May Not Know About The Volunteer State

What is the volunteer state? Well, Tennessee of course!

Tennessee first became known as "The Volunteer State" during the War of 1812 due to its prominent role of sending 1,500 volunteer soldiers.

Although Tennessee is known for a handful of people, things, and places, this state is the most famous for launching the country music genre into the mainstream media.

While Elvis was not a country singer, his fame and success with the blues allowed the country genre to follow and take a strong hold here, and Elvis’ home, Graceland, is one of the most popular attractions in the state.

The Grand Ole Opry is a famous country music hall that is located in Nashville, and a handful of well-known country singers are from Tennessee, with Dolly Parton probably being the most notable.

In terms of a visual, outdoor experience, Gatlinburg is one of the best places to visit in the Volunteer State. This town is nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, and there are many parks, hiking trails, ski slopes, and bridges to explore.

Nashville is perfect for exploring the country music scene or sampling some of the best southern cuisine in the state. The city is home to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and you can see famous musicians playing at the Grand Ole Opry. 

Memphis offers a lot of historical insight into the civil rights movement, as well, and the National Civil Rights Museum is located here.

Memphis is excellent city to visit for some musical history, especially for Elvis fans. Graceland, his home, can be toured here, as can the Rock ‘n Soul Museum.

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