1. On January 27, 1785, the state of Tennessee was officially recognized as the 16th state to join the United States of America.

2. On January 27, 1863, the Battle of Deserted House took place near Murfreesboro, Tennessee during the American Civil War. The battle resulted in a Union victory and helped secure control of Middle Tennessee.

3. On January 27, 1926, the Tennessee legislature passed a bill outlawing the teaching of evolution in the state's public schools. The bill was later challenged in the famous Scopes Monkey Trial.

4. On January 27, 1945, Private First Class Wilburn K. Ross of Madison County, Tennessee was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Battle of Peleliu during World War II. Ross single-handedly took out three enemy machine gun nests during the battle.

5. On January 27, 1996, a blizzard struck much of Tennessee, causing widespread power outages and transportation disruptions. The storm dumped up to 18 inches of snow in some areas and claimed several lives.