1. In 1790, the first U.S. census was taken, which included Tennessee as part of North Carolina. Tennessee became the 16th state in 1796.

2. On August 17, 1862, the Battle of Sparta took place in White County during the Civil War. Union troops under General William "Bull" Nelson engaged Confederate forces under General James R. Chalmers. The battle resulted in a Union victory and helped to secure Middle Tennessee for the Union.

3. In 1920, the Tennessee state legislature ratified the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, granting women the right to vote. Tennessee was the 36th state to ratify the amendment, which achieved the necessary three-fourths support of the states to become law.

4. On August 17, 1959, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park reached its 10 millionth visitor since its opening in 1934. The park is a popular destination for outdoor recreation and scenic drives, and is home to diverse plant and animal life.

5. In 1960, Elvis Presley began filming the movie "Wild in the Country" in Tennessee. The film was shot on location in Knoxville and the surrounding areas, and starred Presley as a troubled young man who finds redemption through writing. The movie was released in 1961 and features several hit songs by Presley.