10 Unique Trivia Facts About Tennessee You Might Not Have Heard Before
Chris Dodge
Author
Have you ever been punched while playing a board game? I have and the funny thing is I wasn’t even playing the game my wife was and while beating my friend so bad he decided to punch me as soon as I walked in the room. I appreciate the competitive spirit, although didn’t appreciate his fist, and so to honor my ornery friend I have come up with a game for us to play. We will be indulging in a little bit of Tennessee trivia and here is how it will work.
The questions will be posted above the picture in bold letters and the answers will be posted below with some included fun facts (because learning is fun!). So scroll carefully and you can see how many of these trivia questions you know. At the end of the article, we will have a fun scorecard to use too. Put on your thinking caps and let’s get started!
1. What Tennessee invention was (ironically) made by a dentist?
That’s right -- the famous carnival treat that defies the status quo of food products was invented by William Morrison who was indeed a dentist. This Tennessee native loved to tinker and one day found a way to make a fluffy sugary treat appear out of thin air and cling to a stick. The process is magical and still amazes me. The original name for it was "fairy floss" and to this day is still called that in Australia.
2. Why are there three stars on the Tennessee state flags?
Known as the Grand Divisions of Tennessee, each of these unique sections of the state represent roughly one-third of the land. They all feature various cultural, geographical, and economic differences, but are united as one glorious state we all love.
3. Multiple choice: Which of the following celebrities was not born in Tennessee?
A. Jonny Knoxville
B. Elvis Presley
C. Morgan Freeman
D. Aretha Franklin
Even though Presley settled into his Memphis home known as Graceland *and* recorded most of his work in Tennessee, he was actually born in Mississippi. He may not have been born in Tennessee, but he chose us and I think that is better. It’s tough to argue the impact he had on the musical culture -- he was The King of Rock 'n Roll, after all.
4. What is the oldest town in Tennessee?
Jonesborough is the oldest town in Tennessee and served as the state capital for a short period of time. Before our state was fully established it was known as the State of Franklin -- that name is lost in time now but nonetheless serves as an important part of our history. The town has an undeniable historic charm and is well worth a visit. I recommend taking a weekend and booking a stay at The Eureka Inn which is a historic motel right in the heart of downtown
5. What area in Tennessee is known as “The salamander capital of the world”?
Our famous national park not only has miles of hiking trails and black bears, this is also home to 30 different species of salamanders. Hiding around the muddy shorelines of creeks and rivers, these little guys are in abundance in a perfectly created ecosystem suitable for them to thrive. All things considered, we are proud to have the salamander capital of the world located in our Great Smoky Mountains.
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6. How did Nashville get its name?
7. What is the official Tennessee state mammal?
It would be reasonable to assume that the mighty black bear would be the state mascot, but this honor goes to the raccoon. The adorable masked bandits might be a familiar visitor to your wooded campsite but were also made famous by Davy Crockett’s iconic cap. So whether you prefer these "trash pandas" as a nocturnal guest or a fashion statement, they remain our state mammal.
8. Which Tennessee musical artist grew up in a small cabin in the mountains?
Ms. Parton spent her childhood growing up with a large family crammed into a small two-room cabin with no running water or electricity. A true American “rags to riches” story, she rose to fame through her talent and hard work but she never forgot her humble Appalachian roots. The Smoky Mountains region is now a hub for vacationers and her entrepreneurial skills are to thank for places like Dollywood and many other Pigeon Forge attractions.
9. What is the tallest waterfall in Tennessee?
Fall Creek Falls is the tallest waterfall in Tennessee and is located in the state park with the same name. The stunning waterfall plunges a total of 256 feet to a pool below and can be witnessed from a viewing platform. I would recommend hiking to the base of it to really grasp the sheer power of this mighty waterfall. The hike itself is almost as exciting as the end destination and well worth the effort.
10. What are the three major rivers in Tennessee?
How did you do with our Tennessee trivia game? Tally up your score and check out our fun scorecard:
0-3: Beginner musician – You have a love for music but you have just begun the journey. You might know how to pluck a few strings and play a few cords but you have a long way to go. All great musicians have to start somewhere so chase the dream and you’re bound to be great one day.
4-6: The Wilderness Wander – You live for the outdoors and Tennessee is a great place to be to love nature. You know about the trails, waterfalls, and various geological wonders in our state but you may be a little fuzzy when it comes to city stuff. Who needs that anyway when you have the great outdoors?
7-9: The Tennessee Value – You treasure our state and see it for the gem it really is. You have most likely have been around for a while and understand the value of Southern hospitality. Being such a connoisseur of Tennessee life means you most likely have a Southern accent and love our state just as much as you like good old home-cookin’.
10: The Volunteer – Well done, you are the volunteer.
Thanks, y’all for playing, and go out and enjoy the wonderful things there are to discover about Tennessee!
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