Today In History
5 Fun Facts About February 23 In Tennessee History
On this day in Tennessee history, February 23rd, there are several interesting events and occurrences that are worth noting. Here are five facts about this date: 1. In 1861, Tennessee held a referendum to decide whether or not to secede from the union. The vote was held on February 23rd...
5 Fun Facts About February 22 In Tennessee History
1. In 1933, the Baileyton Bridge in Greene County collapsed during a flood, killing six people. The tragedy prompted the construction of a new bridge, which still stands today and is known as the "New Baileyton Bridge." 2. On February 22, 1968, Memphis sanitation workers began a strike for better...
5 Fun Facts About February 21 In Tennessee History
1. In 1862, Ulysses S. Grant began his campaign to take Nashville, Tennessee, during the Civil War. Grant's forces successfully captured the city on February 25, 1862, giving the Union Army a crucial victory in the Western Theater. 2. On February 21, 1893, the Tennessee General Assembly passed the "Substitute...
5 Fun Facts About February 20 In Tennessee History
1. Andrew Johnson was born: On February 20, 1808, Andrew Johnson was born in Raleigh, North Carolina. He would go on to become the 17th President of the United States and the first president to be impeached. 2. The Battle of Nashville Monument was dedicated: On February 20, 1927, the...
5 Fun Facts About February 19 In Tennessee History
1. On February 19, 1862, Confederate forces under the command of General Albert Sidney Johnston began marching toward the Union forces encamped at Pittsburgh Landing, Tennessee. This movement would eventually lead to the Battle of Shiloh, one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. 2. February 19, 1952, marked...
5 Fun Facts About February 18 In Tennessee History
1. On February 18, 1862, the Battle of Fort Donelson began. This Confederate fort on the Cumberland River was a key defense for Nashville, but Union forces were able to capture it after a three-day battle, marking a major turning point in the Civil War. 2. On February 18, 1915,...
5 Fun Facts About February 17 In Tennessee History
1. In 1864, Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest and his troops captured Fort Pillow, located on the Mississippi River in West Tennessee. The battle became infamous for the high number of Union soldiers, particularly African Americans, who were killed after surrendering. 2. On February 17, 1897, famed African American singer...
5 Fun Facts About February 16 In Tennessee History
1. On February 16, 1801, Tennessee became the first state to outlaw dueling, making it a crime punishable by imprisonment. 2. The Memphis Sanitation Strike began on February 16, 1968, when over 1,300 primarily African American sanitation workers in Memphis went on strike demanding better pay and working conditions. The...
5 Fun Facts About February 15 In Tennessee History
1. In 1933, Tennessee ratified the 21st Amendment to the US Constitution, which repealed the national prohibition of alcohol. This was a significant milestone for the state, which had been a major producer of moonshine and had a long history of bootlegging. 2. On February 15, 1960, four African American...
5 Fun Facts About February 14 In Tennessee History
1. Tennessee was the last state to ratify the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote on February 14, 1920. This landmark decision made Tennessee the 36th state needed to ratify the amendment, and it became law later that year. 2. On February 14, 1862, the Union Army took...
5 Fun Facts About February 13 In Tennessee History
1. Tennessee became the 16th state of the United States on this day in 1796. The state was originally part of North Carolina and was known as the Southwest Territory until it became a state. 2. On February 13, 1862, the Battle of Fort Donelson began during the Civil War....
5 Fun Facts About February 12 In Tennessee History
1. On February 12, 1909, the state of Tennessee ratified the 16th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which granted Congress the power to levy income taxes. 2. On February 12, 1965, civil rights leader Malcolm X visited Nashville and spoke at Tennessee State University, encouraging African Americans to fight...