Every state has their own embarrassing facts and laws, and despite how wonderful Tennessee is, we’re not exempt from that rule. For example, did you know that a small town in East Tennessee once tried and hanged an elephant for murder? Yep! You read that right! An elephant! If you think that’s embarrassing, just wait until you read the following fun facts and strange laws in Tennessee. Some of them will really leave you scratching your head in wonder. Don’t believe us? Then take a look below.

1. We're one of the worst states to find love.
Thomas Hawk - Flickr
Interestingly, Tennessee is one of the worst states for single people in the country. Tennessean singles just might be like the '80s country song and are looking for love in all the wrong places. So, if you're looking for love, you might want to go elsewhere.
2. We're the home of the Scopes Monkey Trial.
beautifulcataya - Flickr
In 1925, John Scopes was tried in Dayton for the crime of teaching Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. He was found guilty and fined $100 (over $1,300 in today's dollars). The Supreme Court didn't rule it was unconstitutional to ban teaching evolution until the 1960s.
3. We tried and hanged an elephant for murder.
Megan Coughlin - Flickr
On September 13, 1916, the town of Erwin hung a vicious killer nicknamed "Murderous Mary." She was an elephant. They hung an elephant for mauling one of her keepers.
4. We're the birthplace of a recognized hate group.
Brent Moore - Flickr
Pulaski happens to be the birthplace of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK), which was founded after the Civil War. It's definitely not our proudest moment, and in fact, many parks and monuments to Confederate soldiers who helped found the Ku Klux Klan have been renamed and taken down in recent years.
5. Women can't call men for a date in Dyersburg.
Brent Moore - Flickr
In the small town of Dyersburg, it's illegal for a woman to call a man for a date. So, Dyersburg men, it sounds like the ball is in your court. Now's not the time to act shy.
6. Women can't drive in Memphis.
flickr/Jasperdo
In Memphis, women technically aren't allowed to drive unless a man runs in front of the car waving a red flag to warn other motorists and pedestrians. Obviously, this isn't enforced, and it's one of the many silly laws in Tennessee.

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7. Schoolkids can't hold hands.
flickr/fromcolettewithlove
It's illegal for children to hold hands in school in Tennessee. Why? Because it's considered a "gateway sexual activity."
8. We claim the first impeached president.
flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
The first president of the United States to get impeached was Andrew Johnson, who was, of course, from Tennessee. This is just one of the many fun facts about Tennessee.
9. Jack Daniels died from kicking a safe.
flickr/Robert Hensley
Yep! The same Jack Daniels who created one of the most famous whiskies in the world died after he injured his toe by kicking a safe. The injury led to a blood infection, which eventually ended up killing him.
10. You can't carry skunks across the border.
flickr/Linda Tanner
Again, at what point was this such a problem that we created a law to specifically punish people that tried to carry a skunk across the border? Pretty strange, huh? After all, why would anyone want to carry a skunk? They usually frighten people away.
11. Whales are the only animal you can shoot from your car. That's right! Whales!
Sarah Falla - Flickr
It's illegal to shoot any animal from a moving vehicle unless it's a whale. Let's be honest though. If you see a whale in Tennessee while in your car, you should probably shoot it because it's likely an alien invader using a cloaking device.
12. It's illegal to eat roadkill.
Loren Javier - Flickr
So, was this a big enough problem that we really needed to make a law for it? Thanks for clarifying that this might not be the best idea, Tennessee.

Pretty embarrassing, right? Don’t be too embarrassed though. Tennessee has plenty of truly wonderful facts as well. Here are 20 Facts About Tennessee You Never Knew Were True.

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fun facts and strange laws in tennessee + realated info

Jennifer Young | December 24, 2022

Are there any silly laws in Tennessee?

Like most other states, Tennessee has some pretty silly laws. In fact, it's hard to believe some of them were even made. Listed below are five of Tennessee's silliest laws that'll leave you scratching your head.

1. Selling hollow logs in Tennessee is illegal.
2. It's illegal to dare a child to purchase a beer.
3. According to state law, it's illegal to share your Netflix password.
4. It's illegal to place tacks on the highway.
5. Catching a fish with a lasso is illegal.

Are there any weird places in Tennessee that you have to see to believe?

There are quite a few weird places in Tennessee. In fact, some of them are so weird that it's hard to believe they actually exist. A few of the weirdest places in Tennessee include Crystal Shrine Grotto in Memphis, the Museum of Salt & Pepper Shakers in Gatlinburg, and the World's Largest Cedar Bucket in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Even though these places are considered weird, they're still worth seeing up close and in person. So, if you've never seen them before, you'll definitely want to add them to your bucket list. And keep in mind, these are only three of the weirdest places in Tennessee. There are far more just waiting for a visit.

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