1. In 1832, the Cherokee Nation signed the Treaty of New Echota with the United States, agreeing to relocate to Oklahoma. The treaty had been negotiated without the consent of the majority of the Cherokee people and led to the infamous Trail of Tears.

2. The first performance of the Grand Ole Opry radio show took place on May 21, 1927, in Nashville. The show, which features country music performances, became a cultural institution and is still broadcasted today.

3. May 21, 1956, marked the launch of the Sputnik III satellite by the Soviet Union. The satellite was the largest and heaviest man-made object to be launched at that time and remained in orbit for almost two years.

4. In 1992, a widespread tornado outbreak occurred across Tennessee and several other states. The storm system produced 27 confirmed tornadoes in Tennessee alone and caused extensive damage and loss of life.

5. May 21, 2008, marked the date of the first legal execution in Tennessee in almost 50 years. The execution of convicted murderer Daryl Holton sparked controversy and renewed debates about the use of the death penalty in the state.