Tennessee, you don’t look a day over 228. On June 1, 1796, Tennessee officially became a state. At the time, ~77,000 people lived here. For perspective, 24,246 people moved to the Nashville MSA last year alone.
Tennessee was the country’s 16th state and the first created from territory that was under federal jurisdiction — so you could say we’re a pretty big deal. That means we also have to celebrate in a big way with free, family-friendly happenings:
Tennessee State Library & Archives
Festivities run from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and include new exhibits, face painting, behind-the-scenes tours, a scavenger hunt, gem mining, and more. Bonus: See original copies of the Cumberland Compact, the Constitution of the Cherokee Nation, and King George III’s Proclamation of 1763.
Tennessee State Capitol
Guided tours take place from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. and self-guided tours are available any time.
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
Expect guided tours from park rangers (9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.) and food trucks on Jackson Drive on the north end of the park.
Tennessee State Museum
- Print Shop Demonstration | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Forging a Nation Gallery | See how an 18th century printing press works.
- Historic Games | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Front Lawn
- Story Time | 10:30 a.m. | Children’s Gallery | Miss Tennessee Brandee Mills reads “What the Ladybug Heard.”
- Cupcake Celebration | 12-12:30 p.m. | Grand Hall | Miss Tennessee Brandee Mills reads the Tennessee State Poem “Oh Tennessee, My Tennessee.”
- Highlight Tours | 10:30 a.m. + 2 p.m. | 2nd floor galleries
