1. In 1918, the deadliest flu pandemic in Tennessee history was just beginning to strike the state. The virus would eventually kill over 7,000 Tennesseans and infect countless others.

2. On October 12, 1971, the Tennessee General Assembly met in a special session to consider ratifying the 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which lowered the voting age from 21 to 18. Tennessee became the 30th state to ratify the amendment, making it law.

3. The Battle of Franklin, which took place on November 30, 1864, is one of the most significant events in Tennessee's Civil War history. However, on October 12, 1864, Confederate General John Bell Hood began his campaign against Nashville, which would ultimately lead to the Battle of Franklin.

4. On October 12, 1986, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park, which is shared by Tennessee and North Carolina, is known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural history.

5. Legendary musician and Tennessee native Dolly Parton was born on January 19, 1946. However, on October 12, 1987, she became the first country music artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Parton's contributions to the music industry have had a significant impact on the state of Tennessee and beyond.