1. In 1862, Nashville was surrendered to Union forces, marking a crucial victory in the Civil War. This allowed the Union to establish a strong presence in Tennessee and control key transportation routes.

2. On February 28, 1938, a tornado tore through the West Tennessee town of Humboldt, causing significant damage and killing several people. This tragic event serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness in the face of severe weather.

3. In 1980, East Tennessee State University made history by becoming the first public university in Tennessee to desegregate its student body. This was a significant step forward in the fight for civil rights in the state.

4. On this day in 2005, the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga welcomed its 10 millionth visitor. Since its opening in 1992, the aquarium has become a beloved tourist attraction and educational resource for residents and visitors alike.

5. The National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis reopened on February 28, 2014, after a year-long renovation. The museum, housed in the Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, serves as a powerful reminder of the struggles and sacrifices of the civil rights movement.