1. On September 4, 1916, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was established. The park is located in both Tennessee and North Carolina and is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and diverse range of flora and fauna.
2. In 1968, the Fisk University Jubilee Singers were granted a historic marker by the state of Tennessee on September 4, commemorating their role in preserving and promoting the spiritual music of African Americans.
3. On September 4, 1964, the University of Tennessee admitted its first African American undergraduate student, Rita Sanders Geier. This marked a significant moment in the state's civil rights history.
4. The town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, suffered devastating wildfires in 2016, including on September 4. The fires resulted in 14 deaths and destroyed more than 2,400 buildings, but the community has since rebuilt and continued to thrive.
5. On a lighter note, September 4 is also recognized as National Tailgating Day in the United States. In Tennessee, where football is a major passion, many residents celebrate by gathering with friends and family to grill, drink, and cheer on their favorite teams before games.