1. The State of Tennessee was Admitted to the Union on September 16, 1796:
On this day, Tennessee became the 16th state to join the United States. The state was carved out of what was then North Carolina, and its entry into the union helped to further broaden the expansion of the young country.

2. The Battle of Chickamauga Took Place on September 16-18, 1863:
This Civil War battle took place in North Georgia, but many soldiers from Tennessee fought in the conflict. It remains one of the bloodiest battles in American history, with over 34,000 total casualties.

3. Elvis Presley Received His Draft Notice on September 16, 1957:
Despite his massive popularity, Elvis Presley was not exempt from the Selective Service during the Korean War. He was ultimately classified as 1-A and began his service on March 24, 1958.

4. The Nashville Sit-Ins Began on September 16, 1960:
In one of the most prominent moments of the Civil Rights Movement, a group of African American students from Tennessee State University staged a sit-in at a segregated lunch counter at Woolworth’s in downtown Nashville. The protest eventually led to the integration of the store and others like it throughout the South.

5. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park Was Established on September 16, 1940:
This enormous national park, which straddles the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, was established on this day. It encompasses over 800 square miles of forests, waterfalls, and wildlife, making it one of America’s most popular outdoor destinations.