1. Tennessee became the 16th state of the United States on June 1, 1796. This made June a crucial month in the state's history as it marked the beginning of statehood and self-governance.

2. On June 12, 1864, the Battle of Trevilian Station, a Civil War battle between Union and Confederate forces, took place in Louisa County, Virginia. The Tennessee troops involved in the battle were primarily from the 1st Tennessee Cavalry, and they suffered heavy casualties.

3. June 12, 1889, was the birthdate of famed musician and civil rights activist Huddie William Ledbetter, better known as Lead Belly. He was born in Mooringsport, Louisiana, but spent much of his life performing in Tennessee and other southern states.

4. On June 12, 1963, civil rights activist Medgar Evers was assassinated in Jackson, Mississippi. Despite not occurring within the state of Tennessee, Evers' death had a profound impact on the entire civil rights movement, which had a strong presence in Tennessee and was led by prominent figures such as Martin Luther King Jr.

5. June 12, 2019, marked the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Memphis-based Stax Records, which was instrumental in launching the careers of iconic musicians such as Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, and Booker T. and the M.G.'s. The label played a significant role in shaping the sound of soul music in the 1960s and 70s, and its legacy continues to influence musical artists today.