Skip to Content

Exteriors and bright neon signs for some of the famous honky tonks and bars on Broadway in Nashville, Tennessee

From amazing food to some of the best music in the country, there are lots of things to enjoy in Tennessee. Walk in the footsteps of Elvis in Memphis, drink world-class whiskey around the state, and discover what to do in Nashville.

Quick facts

Population: 6.82 million
Size: 42,143 square miles
Capital: Nashville
Major cities: Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Clarksville

Brief history

The history of indigenous people in Tennessee stretches back 12,000 years beginning with Paleo-Indians followed by many other groups including the Muscogee people and the Cherokee.

Spanish explorers first arrived in 1540 but it took until 1756 for the first British settlement to be built here. In June 1796, Tennessee became the 16th state in the Unites States. In June 1861—almost 65 years to the day since joining—the state seceded from the union.

Many major battles of the Civil War were fought in Tennessee, including the Battle of Franklin and the Battle of Nashville—both Union victories. Native Tennessean Andrew Johnson became military governor of the state, reluctantly supporting efforts to abolish slavery (he himself was a slave owner) and enlisting newly freed Blacks into the Union forces. Around the state, you can still visit numerous battlefields and former plantations that were built through the money generated by slavery in the antebellum economy. These include estates like Belle Meade Plantation and Belmont Mansion as well as Jackson’s home, The Hermitage.

During the Civil Rights Movement, Tennessee figured prominently as segregation and racial unrest continued in the state. One key figure in the fight for equal rights was then-student (and ultimately Congressman) John Lewis. Lewis organized numerous activities as part of the Nashville Student Movement, including sit-ins at local lunch counters. The location of some of the historic sit-ins, Woolworth on 5th, is now a restaurant in downtown Nashville, and features information about Lewis and his fellow organizers.

Planning a trip to Tennessee

It’s just over 100 miles wide, but Tennessee stretches over 400 miles long from the Appalachian Mountains to the Mississippi River. The state is home to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and five National Scenic Byways, including the beautiful Natchez Trace Parkway.

The major cities of Memphis and Nashville are known as centers for some of the best music in the US. From Graceland and Beale Street in Memphis to the Ryman Auditorium and the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, there are hundreds of spots to learn about music history and hear bands. In addition to the music and tons of fun things to do, you can’t miss the food like BBQ ribs in Memphis and Nashville’s famous hot chicken.

Whether you’re looking for big cities, small towns, or natural beauty, Tennessee has you covered. Driving is the best way to link the sites for maximum convenience, and nothing is too far away—you can drive across the whole state in about 6 hours.

Articles about Tennessee