1. The Battle of New Hope Church:
On May 26, 1864, a significant Civil War battle took place near Dallas, Georgia. The Battle of New Hope Church pitted Federal forces commanded by Major General William T. Sherman against Confederate troops under General Joseph E. Johnston. The two armies clashed repeatedly over three days, resulting in significant losses on both sides.

2. Governor Andrew Johnson's Inauguration:
On May 26, 1857, Andrew Johnson was inaugurated as the 15th governor of Tennessee. Johnson, who would later become vice president and president of the United States, was a controversial figure in his day. He strongly supported states' rights and was an ardent defender of the Union during the Civil War.

3. The Scopes "Monkey Trial":
On May 26, 1925, the infamous Scopes "Monkey Trial" began in Dayton, Tennessee. The trial, which pitted science against religion, was a landmark moment in the ongoing debate over the teaching of evolution in public schools. High school teacher John T. Scopes was charged with violating a state law forbidding the teaching of evolution. The trial lasted eight days and attracted national attention.

4. The Kingston Fossil Plant coal ash spill:
On May 26, 2008, a massive coal ash spill occurred at the Kingston Fossil Plant in Roane County, Tennessee. The spill, one of the largest environmental disasters in U.S. history, released more than 1 billion gallons of toxic coal ash into the surrounding areas. The spill resulted in significant health and environmental problems for nearby residents.

5. The opening of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum:
On May 26, 1967, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum opened its doors in Nashville, Tennessee. The museum, which was created to preserve and celebrate the history of country music, has become one of the country's most popular cultural attractions. Its collections include thousands of artifacts, photographs, and recordings documenting the genre's rich history.