1. On July 28, 1835, the University of Tennessee was established by the Tennessee General Assembly. The university was initially named Blount College and was located in downtown Knoxville. Today, the university is one of the largest in Tennessee and is known for its strong academic programs.

2. On July 28, 1868, the state of Tennessee became the first state to ratify the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution. The amendment, which was adopted in the aftermath of the Civil War, granted citizenship and equal protection under the law to all people born or naturalized in the United States.

3. On July 28, 1916, a massive flood devastated the city of Nashville and much of central Tennessee. Heavy rainfall caused the Cumberland River to overflow its banks, inundating thousands of homes and businesses. The flood killed over 20 people and caused millions of dollars in damages.

4. On July 28, 1960, the first successful kidney transplant in the southeastern United States was performed at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. The transplant was a breakthrough in medical science and paved the way for many more successful organ transplants.

5. On July 28, 1987, a major train derailment occurred in the small town of South Fulton, Tennessee. The accident involved a freight train carrying hazardous chemicals, which spilled and caught fire. The resulting explosion killed one person and injured dozens more. The incident highlighted the dangers of transporting hazardous materials by rail and led to increased safety regulations.