1. Tennessee became a state in 1796
On August 14, 1796, Tennessee officially became the 16th state in the United States. Settlers began migrating to Tennessee in the late 1700s, primarily from Virginia and the Carolinas. After several years as a territory, Tennessee was admitted to the Union.

2. The Battle of Chattanooga began in 1863
On August 14, 1863, the Battle of Chattanooga began during the American Civil War. The battle was a significant Union victory, and it helped pave the way for the Union to take control of the Confederate stronghold in eastern Tennessee. The battle lasted over two days and resulted in over 12,000 casualties.

3. The Scopes Monkey Trial ended in 1925
On August 14, 1925, the Scopes Monkey Trial came to an end in Dayton, Tennessee. The trial was a highly publicized court case that pitted science against religion. Tennessee teacher John Scopes was charged with teaching evolution in violation of Tennessee law. The trial ended with Scopes being found guilty and fined $100.

4. The Tennessee Valley Authority was created in 1933
On August 14, 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Tennessee Valley Authority Act. The act created the Tennessee Valley Authority, which was tasked with developing the Tennessee Valley region through the construction of dams and the creation of electricity. The TVA remains a significant force in the region's economy today.

5. Elvis Presley performed his first concert in Tennessee in 1952
On August 14, 1952, a young Elvis Presley performed his first concert in Memphis, Tennessee. The concert was held at the Memphis Amusement Park and was part of a then-popular radio program called "Louisiana Hayride." Presley's performance helped launch his career and set the stage for his eventual rise to fame as the King of Rock and Roll.