All About the Tennessee State Flag
In 1897, the Tennessee State Flag was officially adopted with a redesigned version being made official in 1905. Read on to find out more about the history and info behind this state flag.
The Tennessee State Flag was initially introduced at the beginning of the American Civil War. Originally, the flag was a tricolor flag consisting of red, white, and blue. It was adopted in 1897. The current flag was designed by Colonel Le Roy Reeves, an attorney who served in the Tennessee National Guard. This flag was made official in April of 1905.
Tennessee was nicknamed the Volunteer State after 3,500 Tennessee men _volunteered _to fight in the war. It was considered a valiant act of heroism and is remembered even today by the nickname given to the state and the flag that is waved there.
Symbolism of the Tennessee State Flag
Volunteertraditions.com describes the Tennessee State Flag as, “A crimson flag with a blue circle in the middle, containing three white stars.” The three stars in the center of the flag represent the three sections of Tennessee, the middle, east, and west. The blue circle surrounding the stars represents the unity of the three parts of the state, making them whole. There is also a blue stripe on the end of the flag to help tell it apart when it hangs limp without wind. The color white was chosen for purity, blue for respect, and red for traditional American color.
Tennessee Pledge of Allegiance
The Tennessee State Pledge of Allegiance goes as so, “Flag of Tennessee, I salute thee. To thee I pledge my allegiance with my affection, my service and my life.” Tennessee men and women say this pledge to remind them of what is means to be from Tennessee. The pledge reminds them that Tennessee is a state of respect, unity, and loyalty.
How to Properly Display the State Flag
According to portal.cmcss.net, “ The Tennessee State Flag shall be properly displayed by POSITIONING THE FLAG WITH TWO STARS AT THE TOP AND THE ONE STAR AT THE BOTTOM” The state flag must be flown _below _the U.S. flag. If another flag is flown, it is to be flown below both the U.S. flag and the Tennessee State flag.
Basic History and Must-Knows of Tennessee
Tennessee became the sixteenth state of the United States of America on June 1, 1796. After roughly 3,500 men volunteered to go to war, Tennessee was named the Volunteer state to commemorate their willingness to serve their country.
Tennessee is the 36th largest state in the country and the 16th most populated state. Nashville is not only the capital of Tennessee, but also the largest city in the state. Nashville is also known as the country music capital of the world. Many famous country music stars come from Tennessee including, Dolly Parton, Trace Adkins, and Johnny Cash.
Tennessee is a land-locked state. No beaches to enjoy, but there are plenty of mountains and forests to explore.
Tennessee’s state bird is the Mockingbird because there are so many in the state that they became recognized as “true residents” of the state.
Tennessee’s state flower is the Iris. Many believe it was originally the Passionflower; however, with a lot of dissatisfaction among Tennessee residents, it was changed to the Iris and officially made the State Flower.
Tennessee’s state tree is the Tulip Poplar tree because “it grows from one end of the state to the other.” This tree was also used to build houses and barns in the early pioneer days.
The state animal is a raccoon, which might seem silly to some people, but, to Tennessee, they are the state’s wild animal because of the abundance of them all over the state. Raccoons are illegal to kill or capture in Tennessee except during “Open Season.”
Tennessee is also known for the great lengths of natural sights such as the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. The state has 1 national forest, 15 state forests, and 54 state parks. While Tennessee is only considered the 30th most popular state, it is widely considered beautiful and a major tourist state.
Tennessee’s rankings according to usnews.com :
- Health Care – #40
- Education – #33
- Economy – #16
- Infrastructure – #17
- Opportunity – #21
- Fiscal Stability – #3
- Crime and Corrections – #42
- Natural Environment – #39
These aren’t bad ranking considering the number of states. Tennessee averages in the middle to upper rankings.
Some of the most popular activities in Tennessee are Dollywood, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and Grand Ole Opry. Dollywood is a theme park owned by Dolly Parton with water slide, rides, and live music shows. Country Music Hall of Fame and. Museum is a museum with dedications to the most famous country music stars in history and exhibits memorializing the music genre and its roots. Grand Ole Opry is a live music venue in Nashville, Tennessee where concerts are held, often by major country music stars.
Tennessee is also known for their “Memphis” style barbecue. It is a style of BBQ that is slow cooked and is ordered either “wet” or “dry.” The Titans are the most popular sports team in the state, with people using phrases like, “titan up” and “Titan True.”
Tennessee is home to an underground lake called, The Lost Sea in Sweetwater. People can take a boat tour in a clear, glass bottom row boat.
The state is home to Elvis Presley’s own Graceland. Graceland was Elvis’ own mansion and is where he and a few of his family members are buried. He and his mother were originally buried elsewhere but after several vandalism attempts and acts of tampering, they were moved to Graceland where tourists have to pay to see the headstones.
It’s pretty clear that Tennessee is a wonderful addition to our country. It’s a beautiful state full of natural beauties, famous attractions, and music that makes you want to dance. Tennessee is a state of respect and purity according to their flag. Tennesseans have brave, pure hearts and a very strong sense of country. They truly do hold true to their name, The Volunteer State.
