The state of Tennessee, photos of which are located below, is located in the southeastern part of the United States. Its total area is about 110 thousand square kilometers. The region is quite popular among tourists. This is not surprising, since here you can find a large number of historical monuments, majestic mountains and lakes of incomparable beauty.
Origin of the name
The name of the state comes from the language of the Indians. According to the version most common today, this is how the most numerous local tribe was once called. In addition, the largest river in the region bears a similar name. There is another, alternative version of the origin of the name. According to him, translated from the language of one of the tribes that previously lived in the central part of the North American mainland, the state of Tennessee bears a name that means "a place for meetings."
It should be noted that in the United States there is a tradition according to which, in addition to the official name, administrative regions are also given nicknames. As for Tennessee,also known as the Volunteer State. This is due to the events of the Anglo-American War, which took place at the beginning of the nineteenth century. Then local volunteer forces helped turn the tide of one of the most important battles, which took place near New Orleans. Based on the motto of this state, agriculture and trade are its key activities.
A Brief History
Tennessee is a state that boasts a very rich history. Many years ago, a large number of Indian tribes lived on its territory. The first Europeans who appeared here were the Spanish conquistadors in 1540. They immediately began to drive the local natives to the west and south. In addition, the region was of great interest to the British. Fort Laundon, built in the east, is considered their first permanent settlement here. Although the Indians captured it in 1760, representatives of the European continent did not stop exploring local territories. During the revolution, the fighters for independence planned to create a colony of Transylvania here, but this idea was not destined to come true due to the alliance of their opponents with the Indians.
As the sixteenth state of the United States, Tennessee was proclaimed on June 1, 1796. At the same time, the local Aborigines were resettled in the territory of neighboring Arkansas. It should be noted that the rights of the black population and the poor were infringed here for a long time. Currently, locals consider this period far from being the brightest in history.
Geographic location
Tennessee has land borders with eight states such as North Carolina, Georgia, Kentucky, Virginia, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas and Missouri. The river of the same name divides the region into western, eastern and middle parts. The first of them is characterized by predominantly mountainous territory. It is here that the Tennessee River and several ranges are born. It should also be noted that the local valleys are highly fruitful. The middle part of the state is mainly located on the Cumberland Plateau, which is about 500 meters above sea level. There are a large number of caves in eastern Tennessee. This part of the state is characterized by dense forests.
Population
According to archaeological research, the first people on the territory of modern Tennessee appeared about twelve thousand years ago. Before European colonialists settled here, the local lands belonged to Indian tribes, the most famous of which are the Cherokee, Yuchi, Muscogee and others. The population of the state, as of today, is almost 6.5 million people. According to this indicator, it is in the seventeenth position in the country. The population density reaches 59 people per square kilometer. In terms of racial distribution, 77% are white, 17% are African American, and 5% are Hispanic. Indigenous people and other races account for about 1%. As for the religious sign, 8 out of 10 local citizens profess Christianity, and everythe tenth is an atheist.
Cities
The largest city in Tennessee is Nashville. Its population is about 630 thousand people. According to this indicator, it is only in second place. The future metropolis was founded in 1779. Before him, the status of the administrative center was carried by such cities as Knoxville, Kingston and Murfreesboro. Now they remain quite large by the standards of the state and are very popular among tourists. One of the most beautiful and at the same time the largest local city with a population of 700 thousand inhabitants is Memphis. Tennessee is also famous for its small and numerous villages, each of which is unique in its own way. All of them have their interesting places and deserve due attention.
Climate
Most of the region is characterized by a continental subtropical climate, while the mountains have a continental, humid type. Summers in the state are hot and winters are warm. The thermometer in July is at a mark, averaging 25 degrees, and in January it does not fall below 5 degrees. The annual rainfall in the region is approximately 1150 millimeters.
Economy
Tennessee is a state with no dominant industry in its economy. In recent years, industry, agriculture, the financial sector and tourism have become quite developed areas here. Local factories fully meet the needs of the state population in productsfood, textiles, chemicals, medical equipment and other products. A significant part of the manufactured products is sold in neighboring regions and abroad. There are several hydroelectric power stations in the valley of the river of the same name. It should also be noted that Jack Daniel's, the world-famous brand of whiskey, is made here.
Interesting facts
Tennessee is the state where the largest earthquake in American history occurred. Now it is known as New Madrid. Very popular among tourists, the local Reelfoot Lake was formed as a result of it.
The local city of Chattanooga is the place where Coca-Cola was produced and bottled for the first time in history.
A member of Congress from this state named Andrew Johnson was elected American President after the tragic death of Abraham Lincoln.
According to official figures, the local town of Bristol is the birthplace of country music.
Tennessee is the only state on the planet that has the right to produce a unique American corn whiskey. It's called Tenneessee Whiskey.
In Memphis, within the walls of the former Lorraine Motel, is the Civil Law Museum. It was here that Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968.
The largest American underground lake, known as the "Lost Sea", is located in the city of Sweetwater, Tennessee.
