1. On August 23, 1921, the first radio station in the state of Tennessee, WSM, began broadcasting from Nashville. The station became famous for its country music programming, including the long-running show "Grand Ole Opry."

2. The Battle of Thompson's Station occurred on August 23, 1863, during the American Civil War. Confederate forces under General Earl Van Dorn attacked Union troops under Colonel John Coburn, resulting in a Confederate victory.

3. On August 23, 1769, the first permanent settlement in what is now Tennessee was established at Fort Loudoun. The fort was built by the British to protect Cherokee Indian lands from French and Spanish influence.

4. The first African American to win an Olympic gold medal, Ralph Boston, was born in Laurel, Mississippi on August 23, 1939. Boston later moved to Knoxville, Tennessee and attended the University of Tennessee, where he became an accomplished track and field athlete.

5. The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga opened its doors on August 23, 1992. The aquarium features over 12,000 animals and has become a popular tourist destination in the state.