Our Flag

The three stars are of pure white, representing the three grand divisions of the state. They are bound together by the endless circle of the blue field, the symbol being three bound together in one—an indissoluble trinity. The large field is crimson. The final blue bar relieves the sameness of the crimson field and prevents the flag from showing too much crimson when hanging limp.

The State Seal

The Roman numerals XVI signify that Tennessee was the 16th state to enter the Union. The plow, the sheaf of wheat and a cotton stalk symbolize the importance of agriculture, while the riverboat attests to the importance of river traffic to commerce.

Tennessee Slogan

 The Tennessee General Assembly adopted as the state's official slogan,
"Tennessee—America at Its Best"

 Tennessee State Motto

The state of Tennessee's motto is
 "Agriculture and Commerce,"
taken from the wording used on the state seal

Tennessee State Songs

"My Homeland, Tennessee"
"When It's Iris Time In Tennessee"
"My Tennessee"
"Tennessee Waltz"
"Rocky Top"
"Tennessee"
"The Pride of Tennessee"

State Poems

"Oh Tennessee, My Tennessee"
 by Naval Admiral William Lawrence

State Nickname

 "The Volunteer State"

Bird

The mockingbird (genus Mimus polyglottos) was selected as the state bird in 1933.

Flower

The iris was designated as the state cultivated flower by the Legislature in 1933.

Insects

Tennessee has two official state insects: the firefly and the ladybug.

Wildflower

The passion flower (genus Passiflora) was declared the state wildflower in 1973.

Animal

The raccoon (Procyon lotor) is Tennessee's Official
State Animal.

Tree

The tulip poplar was adopted as the state tree by the State Legislature in 1947.

Gem

Tennessee river pearls are taken from mussels in the fresh water rivers and come in various shapes and colors. Unlike cultured pearls, which are partially man-made, these pearls are totally made by the mussel. They are 100% natural pearl all the way through.

Rocks

Limestone, found just about everywhere in Tennessee, was declared the official state rock in 1979. Tennessee marble, as the metamorphic version of limestone is known, is widely used in buildings. . In 1969, the General Assembly had given similar status to agate, a cryptocrystalline quartz. This semiprecious gemstone is found only in a few areas of the state.