Posted in Tennessee November 08, 2015 by

11 Incredible, Almost Unbelievable Facts About Tennessee

So, Tennessee is awesome – we know that. It’s what we don’t exactly know, however, that makes this place so dang special. Curious about the strange and odd and a little bit shocking from our very own Volunteer State? Then take a look!

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
11) Naturally, Tennessee has crops. But can you name the top three?
Down here you'll be finding a lot of corn, cotton, and soy beans! The geographical location is prime for farmers, and 80% of the land is for farming.
10) Reelfoot Lake was created by a series of quakes, known as the New Madrid earthquakes.
Jim Denham / Flickr
9) The famed Iroquois race horse was bred at Belle Meade Plantation.
Paul / Flickr
As the first American race horse to win the English Derby (in 1881), many thoroughbreds can track their lineage back to Tennessee.
8) Speaking of horses - Shelby County has more per capita than any other county in the US.
Moyan Brenn / Flickr
That's a lot of horses, if you ask us.
7) The state has 926 square miles of WATER.
Cassie Johnson / Flickr
Not too shabby for a landlocked state, don't you think?
6) Do you know where country music was really born? (Hint: It ain't Nashville!)
Brent Moore / Flickr
It's the tiny little town of Bristol. Plus? It has the world's largest guitar!
5) Tennessee solidly sectioned into three separate regions.
Stuart Rankin / Flickr
East, West, and Middle. Not too crazy shocking? Until you realize the difference in topography and weather. At over 400 miles from end to end, Tennessee has a lot of ground to cover!
4) There's not, well, A LOT of income tax in Tennessee. We kind of have it...?
Simon Cunningham / Flickr
How do you, 'kind of' have an income tax? Well, Tennessee has no income tax on wages, but they do have a 6% tax on all dividends and interest, plus solid sales tax. Give and take, we say. Give and take.
3) Tennessee is tied for the title of the "Most Neighborly State."
Elizabeth M / Flickr
Missouri puts up a solid fight, too - dang it. They both border a whopping EIGHT states.
2) Nashville is a Christmas baby!
The city was founded in 1779, on Christmas Eve.
1) Oak Ridge was known as both "The Atomic City" and "The Secret City."
Bill McChesney / Flickr
It was here that the science for the atomic bomb was researched and has given the town the title of the energy capital of the world.

Did we surprise you? Anything we missed? Let us know in the comments below!