1. In 1785, the State of Franklin was declared independent from North Carolina, covering the area of present-day East Tennessee. However, the State of Franklin was short-lived and lasted for only four years before rejoining North Carolina.

2. On May 23, 1836, the Tennessee’s Sixth Constitutional Convention began in Nashville, Tennessee. This convention paved the way for the adoption of the Tennessee Constitution of 1835, which established the state’s judicial system and created the office of governor.

3. The famous musician and singer, Chet Atkins, was born on May 23, 1924, in Luttrell, Tennessee. Throughout his career, Atkins blended different musical genres such as country and rock and roll, earning him several accolades and awards.

4. May 23, 1934, marked the opening of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, The park spans across Tennessee and North Carolina and is famous for its natural beauty, diversity of plants, and wildlife.

5. On May 23, 1983, Harold Ford Sr., a U.S. Congressman from Tennessee, presided over the first congressional hearing on the growing epidemic of AIDS. At the time, AIDS was a new and misunderstood disease, and the hearing played a crucial role in raising awareness and securing funding for research.