The state of Tennessee is the greatest place on earth. I have not lived anywhere else so I might be a little partial but most that live here, or visit will agree it’s a pretty great place.
Tennessee has a list of things that are symbolic to the state. One of the most recognizable symbols is our state flag. The flag has the iconic three stars that represents the three parts of the state that have their own qualities due to geographical and cultural differences. Those differences come together to make a state like no other.
The tri-star flag that is our state flag is just one of many symbols that represent our state. We have some state symbols that are a little more known but some that don’t get much attention.
All the state symbols have been chosen to represent Tennessee because of their strong relevance to the state.
Some examples of the more commonly known symbols are the state bird, the mockingbird; the state tree the tulip poplar; and the state flower, the iris.
We have a few other objects or items that are state symbols, but most people are not aware of like the state wildflower, the passionflower; the state gem, the freshwater pearl; and state fruit, the tomato.
State symbols are chosen by the general assembly and always have a strong relevance to the state. That relevance usually involves commerce, uniqueness and/or abundance. Things that have economic value would be things like the tulip poplar and the tomato. The tulip poplar is not unique to the state of Tennessee and we share the tulip poplar with Indiana as our state tree.
The tulip poplar tree grows straight and tall. In the early American frontier the tree was a very useful tree for the building of many cabins and homes due to its size and straightness.
The tree lends many traits for economic value so it makes sense with its importance in the early development of the state that it would be a great representative for the state of Tennessee.
Grainger County probably had some influence in the tomato being chosen as the state fruit. Grainger County is world famous for the tomatoes that are grown there as well as the cultural importance of the tomato for the Tennessee gardener.
Some of the state symbols represent our state’s rich culture and history like our state artifact, Sandy. Sandy is a human figure carved out of sandstone thought to have been carved over 10,000 years ago by native people living here long before European discovery and migration.
Sandstone is a soft rock that is relatively easy to carve and hence, the nickname for the figure. Sandy the sandstone figure resides at the McClung Museum on UT campus in Knoxville and is part of a wonderful native American collection of artifacts. It’s worth the trip to UT campus to check out. It’s free but donations are welcomed.
If you think that the Tennessee state symbols are interesting, check out the list of state symbols on our tn.gov web page. Some of the things on the list might surprise you.
It is also very fun to point out state symbols when out and about with family and friends, especially if you are a person who loves to share random facts.
God bless the state of Tennessee and thank you Lord for giving us such a wonderful place to live. If you have questions or comments about our Tennessee state symbols or our Tennessee state parks feel free to contact me.

Derek Wilson
Derek.wilson@tn.gov
865-206-9459