The Volunteer State celebrated 225 years of statehood on Tuesday and kicked off a series of events to honor the milestone with the theme of “Untold Tennessee.”
The initial events took place at Nashville’s Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park and Knoxville’s Blount Mansion. At Bicentennial Capitol Mall, the Tennessee State Museum opened a new exhibit representing the state. Additionally, three original state constitutions are on display at the new Tennessee State Library and Archives. At Blount Mansion, a short parade honored many of the individuals who fought for Tennessee’s statehood. The night was capped with a music performance from the Oak Ridge Boys in downtown Jonesborough.
Governor Bill Lee has promised to visit all 95 countries throughout the state to continue the celebration in a variety of communities. In this tour, the state has opened submissions for “untold” stories of the state.
A host of Tennessee elected officials took to social media to wish Tennessee a happy “birthday” and honor the legacy of Tennesseans throughout the state’s history.
“Today, we celebrate Tennessee. Happy 225th Birthday to the greatest state in the union!” Governor Lee said in a tweet.
Today, we celebrate Tennessee. Happy 225th Birthday to the greatest state in the union! #TN225 @Tennessee225 pic.twitter.com/HONEKu0cvt
— Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) June 1, 2021
“225 years ago today, the great state of Tennessee became the 16th state. Tennesseans are innovators and creators. Tennesseans are leaders. And Tennesseans are resilient. Our patriotism is palpable and our loyalty is unmatched,” Senator Bill Hagerty added.
225 years ago today, the great state of Tennessee became the 16th state. Tennesseans are innovators and creators. Tennesseans are leaders. And Tennesseans are resilient. Our patriotism is palpable and our loyalty is unmatched. #TN225 pic.twitter.com/lW4dHajani
— Senator Bill Hagerty (@SenatorHagerty) June 1, 2021
State Senator Brian Kelsey (R-Germantown) continued the celebration saying, “Today we celebrate the 225th birthday of the great volunteer state. Our three grand divisions are home to presidents, Nobel Peace Prize winners, world class musicians, and in my home of Memphis, the best barbecue on the planet.”
Today we celebrate the 225th birthday of the great volunteer state. Our three grand divisions are home to presidents, Nobel Peace Prize winners, world class musicians, and in my home of Memphis, the best barbecue on the planet. pic.twitter.com/4RlBZ4jLLD
— Brian Kelsey (@BrianKelsey) June 1, 2021
To find future events of the “Untold Tennessee” tour, you can visit the tour’s website.
— — —
Cooper Moran is a reporter for the Star News Network. Follow Cooper on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Tennessee Capitol” by FaceMePls. CC BY 2.0.
