1. Tennessee officially became the 16th state of the United States on October 1, 1796. This followed the creation of the Southwest Territory in 1790, which included what is now Tennessee, and a period of growth and development in the region.

2. The Battle of Franklin, a major engagement of the American Civil War, took place on October 1, 1864. It was one of the bloodiest battles of the war, with nearly 10,000 casualties, and marked a turning point in the campaign for control of Middle Tennessee.

3. On October 1, 1904, the city of Memphis suffered a yellow fever epidemic that killed over 1,200 people. This led to major changes in public health policy and sanitation practices in the city, and helped to spur the development of modern public health measures across the country.

4. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina, was officially dedicated on October 1, 1940. It is one of the most visited national parks in the country, known for its stunning natural beauty, wide range of flora and fauna, and important cultural heritage sites.

5. The Knoxville World's Fair, known officially as the International Energy Exposition, opened on October 1, 1982. The fair was a major cultural and economic event for the state, bringing in millions of visitors and showcasing the latest in technological and cultural developments from around the world.