Tennessee’s Statehood
Celebrating 225 Years in 2021
Two hundred twenty-five years ago, fifty-five men made history when they put quill to parchment and boldly declared that Tennessee was a state. It was an audacious plan: brazenly electing a governor, two senators and one at-large congressman, and simply showing up at the United States capital—then in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania before the creation of Washington, DC—and essentially saying, “Hi—we’re you’re sixteenth state!” But that’s exactly what William Blount and his compatriots did. The “Tennessee Plan,” as it came to be known, eventually worked; after dithering for a few weeks about whether to accept this upstart state into the family, both houses of congress granted their consent, and Tennessee was admitted to the union on June 1, 1796—known thereafter as “Statehood Day” in Tennessee. You might say Tennessee broke the mold!
Become Part of the Story of Tennessee
The Historic House Museums of Knoxville invite you to join in the celebration. On Tuesday, June 1, 2021, Blount Mansion and nearby James White’s Fort - the birthplace of Knoxville, which existed as the federal territorial capital prior to statehood - will partner with the City of Knoxville to host a once-in-a-lifetime birthday party celebrating Tennessee’s 225th anniversary. The event will include a short parade from the fort to the mansion, led by historical reenactors and school children wearing period clothing. Participants will enjoy birthday cake and hear short celebratory remarks from Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon, Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs and other leaders, after which folks may pick up a quill and sign their name to paper on the desk on which the dream of Tennessee became a reality 225 year ago. The big day will be preceded by a months-long series of special events at historic sites throughout Knox County, including open houses at several of the Historic House Museums of Knoxville on Saturday, May 30th.
TN STATEHOOD EVENTS & CELEBRATIONS
1/2 Off Bottles of Wine
Fridays from 5 PM - 9PM Frothy Monkey is serving 1/2 off Bottles of Wine at Frothy Monkey Dowtown…
Black Women of Print
An exhibition of the sophomore portfolio by Black Women of Print featuring work by: Deborah Grayson…
Brew at the Zoo
Save the Date: October 4th Join us at Zoo Knoxville for an unforgettable evening of fun, frolic, and…
Chatham Rabbits
This North Carolina based duo is currently finishing their fourth full length album and enjoying the…
Coming Into View
The McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture presents the temporary exhibition, Coming Into…
Coming Into View Exhibition
Coming into View showcases sixteen oil paintings from the McClung Museum's permanent collection—half…
Cyclical Nature: Megan Lingerfelt Exhibition
Join us on Friday, October 4th for the #FirstFriday Reception of 'Cyclical Nature' a solo exhibition…
Date Night Mediterranean Cooking Class
Embark on a culinary adventure to the Mediterranean without leaving Knoxville! Join us for an…
Date Night Mediterranean Cooking Class
Embark on a culinary adventure to the Mediterranean without leaving Knoxville! Join us for an…
Daytime & Evening Sightseeing Cruises Aboard the Star of Knoxville Riverboat
View the river from our covered patio style upper deck with refreshments available. These run…
Dinner Cruise Aboard the Star of Knoxville Riverboat
Planning a special date night, entertaining friends and family, or just "because"?! Join us along…
Faye Williams at Barrelhouse
Live Music at Barrelhouse!
First Friday ArtWalk
On the first Friday of each month, the streets of Downtown Knoxville come alive for a casual evening…
First Friday Knoxville
Knoxville is home to a diverse community of artists, arts organizations and cultural institutions…
First Friday with Raven Harmon-Holland
Join us for October's First Friday opening with Raven Harmon-Holland. Raven's works often reimagine…