1. On January 7, 1789, Tennessee became the first state in the union to ratify the United States Constitution. The state's support was crucial in securing the nine-state minimum needed to establish the Constitution, thereby setting the stage for the formation of the federal government.

2. In 1861, Tennessee Governor Isham G. Harris made the decision to secede from the Union, joining the Confederate States of America. The move was controversial, as many Tennesseans remained loyal to the Union and a bloody civil war would ensue.

3. On January 7, 1927, the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville held its first radio broadcast. The show, which featured a live performance by Grand Ole Opry icon DeFord Bailey, marked the beginning of a long tradition of country music radio broadcasts from the Ryman.

4. January 7, 1967 saw the opening of the first Waffle House restaurant in Tennessee. Founded in Georgia, the chain has since become an American icon, known for serving affordable All-American breakfast food 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

5. In 2010, Tennessee inaugurated its first female governor, Beverly Knight Haslam. Haslam served two terms, from 2011 to 2019, during which time she focused on expanding healthcare access and improving education outcomes for Tennessee residents. Her election marked a milestone in the state's political history.