1. Tennessee gained statehood. August 1, 1796, was an important day for Tennesseans as it marked their state's admission to the Union. Tennessee became the 16th state to join the union after the United States Congress approved its status as a state, the first to be created from United States territory.

2. The Volunteer State. Tennessee's nickname is 'The Volunteer State' originated from the state's nickname during the War of 1812. During this conflict, Tennessee Governor Willie Blount put out a call for volunteers to fight against the British, and over 30,000 men rushed to enlist.

3. The Great Train Robbery. On August 1, 1868, one of the most daring robberies at that time occurred in Adairsville, Tennessee. A group of robbers known as 'The Jones Gang' hijacked a train carrying the payroll of the East Tennessee, Virginia, and Georgia Railroad company, getting away with over $80,000 in cash and bonds.

4. African-American hospital opened. On August 1, 1900, the New One Hundred Negro Hospital opened in Nashville. The hospital was one of the first in Nashville to serve African-Americans and was run by a team of black physicians and nurses, providing much-needed medical care to the community.

5. Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) created. August 1, 1933, marked a monumental day in Tennessee history as President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Tennessee Valley Authority Act, creating the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). The TVA undertook several projects that revolutionized the Tennessee Valley region, including power generation, flood control, and rural development. The TVA still exists today and continues to provide valuable services to the region.