About Tennessee

The state of Tennessee was the sixteenth state to join the union, officially declaring its statehood in 1796. Situated in the eastern portion of the Midwest, it borders eight other states including Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Missouri. It ties Missouri with the most amount of connecting states on its borders.

With Nashville as the capital city, Tennessee is split into three geographic areas: east Tennessee, middle Tennessee and west Tennessee.

In the East Tennessee area you will find a very mountainous terrain. The western edges of the Blue Ridge Mountains run through this section of the state. This area is not very populated and most of it is protected wilderness, which means hunting is not allowed and habitation must be kept to a minimum.

The middle Tennessee area is also called the Cumberland Plateau. The land that is found in most of the northern part of the Cumberland Plateau is very fertile and rich and is great for growing tobacco. Visitors who enjoy this area like to be in the outdoors and appreciate national sentiment, such as visiting the last Chestnut trees standing in the U.S.

The western edge of Tennessee is called the Gulf Coastal Plain. This part of the state contains mostly very hilly terrain and runs along the Tennessee River. With beautiful wildlife and scenery overlooking the river, visitors to this region come for the hiking, wildlife watching, and other outdoor adventures.

The cities in Tennessee all have a very warm, local hometown feel. The residents tend to live in tight residential areas where everyone knows everyone. These quaint towns make excellent family tourist attractions.

Cities in Tennessee