(IntegrityMag.com) – Tennessee is known for its beautiful views and music industry. However, like every other state, it also has astounding secrets that not even the locals always know. Here’s what’s so great about the Volunteer State.
The Art of Deception
While the capitol of Tennessee is currently Nashville, three other cities have served as the state’s capitol: Knoxville, Murfreesboro, and Kingston. In 1805, while the Tennessee settlers were trying to acquire more land from the Cherokee, they struck a deal. The Cherokee agreed to give up the thousands of acres to the settlers under the circumstance that Kingston be made into the state’s capitol.
The settlers agreed to the terms set forth by the Cherokee and held a Tennessee House of Representatives assembly in Kingston on September 21st, 1807. However, this would be the first and last assembly held in the city. The capitol was changed back to Knoxville the very next day, completing the dirty trick to gain more land.
Natural Features
Tennessee is known for its beautiful landscapes and mountain views, but there’s plenty going on below the surface. The Volunteer State is also home to an incredible number of caves. In fact, the Tennessee Cave Survey indicates that there are over 10,000 in total. This is nearly 20% of the total number located within the USA! Many contain unique resources, some of which aren’t found anywhere else in the world.
But if you were hoping to go spelunking, don’t get excited just yet. Around 90% of those caves are located on private property, which means you’ll need permission to venture forth before you can explore them.
The Lost Sea, also known as the largest underground lake in America, is also found in Tennessee. While you can’t swim in it, you can ride on a glass-bottom boat over it. The cave that contains it, when lit with gentle multi-colored lights, offers an unforgettable experience for those who visit.
Not So Natural Features
Tennessee is home to the oldest running radio station. The Grand Ole Opry has played over the airwaves since as far back as 1925. The successful station also just happens to be one of the most popular in the state, too.
Now, onto some other not-so-natural facts that call Tennessee home.
The shortest tunnel in the world, measuring just 20 feet in total, is also in Tennessee. It was originally created so that the Beaver Dam Railroad could transport lumber from Damascus, Virginia to the Tennessee Lumber and Manufacturing Company in Shady Valley, Tennessee. However, the train route itself eventually closed. Now, motorists passing through the Cherokee National Forest can pass through the tunnel as it was converted into part of the highway.
While the business closed in 2015, Patrick’s Pub and Grill was once a fairly famous spot for tourists to visit. Its shining feature was the fact that it straddled the Tennessee/Georgia state line. Guests could dine in Tennessee and walk over into Georgia to use the restroom.
An even stranger aspect of the business is that the Tennessee side of the restaurant allowed drinking — in fact, it was where the bar was located. On the Georgia side, however, the county was “dry,” so no alcohol could be served. This made it functionally illegal to drink on the Georgia side of the bar!
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