1. In 1797, Tennessee became the 16th state to join the United States of America. This historical event forever shaped the course of the state and its people.

2. On May 8, 1861, Tennessee became the last state to secede from the Union and join the Confederacy during the Civil War. This decision ultimately led to years of conflict and devastation across the state.

3. May 8, 1902 marked the founding of Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. This prestigious institution has since become a top-ranked university and is renowned for its rigorous academic programs.

4. In 1933, the Tennessee Valley Authority Act was signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. This legislation established the TVA, which was designed to provide economic development and flood control to the region.

5. On May 8, 1973, the Tennessee State Capitol building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This iconic structure serves as a hub for the state's government and is a symbol of Tennessee's rich history and culture.