About Tennessee

Tennessee is the Center of the Southern United States and borders eight states (Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas and Missouri). Tennessee is a long, narrow, state (500 miles East to West and only 120 miles North to South) divided into 95 counties and covering 41,146 square miles making it the 36th state in total area. Centrally located, Nashville is within 600 miles of 50% of the United States population.

Nashville is the state capital of Tennessee and the country music capital of the world. Better known as Music City USA, there is always something to do or see in Tennessee.

The name "Tennessee" originated from the old Yuchi Indian word "Tana-see," meaning "the meeting place". Tennessee was the 16th state to join the Union and is signified as such by the roman numerals XVI on the state seal. The state seal also has a plow, sheaf of wheat and cotton stalk symbolizing the importance of agriculture, while the riverboat attests to the importance of river traffic to commerce.

The state flag was adopted in 1905 and features three stars representing the grand divisions of the state: East, Middle and West. The stars are bound together in indissoluble unity by an unending white band.

Tennessee is nicknamed "The Volunteer State". It earned it's nickname by its remarkable outpouring of volunteers in the War of 1812 and in the Mexican War.

Tennessee has four distinct seasons, easy access to recreational offerings and a variety of sports and cultural activities make Tennessee an excellent place to live and work. Affordable housing, abundant low cost energy and a complete educational system provide Tennessee residents and businesses with the building blocks needed to enjoy life and be successful in the business world.