Name of Tennessee

Tanasi-monument-cherokee-tennessee

Draught_of_the_Cherokee_Country

Name of Tennessee

The name "Tennessee" is derived from the Cherokee word "Tanasi" (or "Tanase"), which was the name of a Cherokee village located on the Tennessee River. The meaning of "Tanasi" is uncertain, but it is believed to mean "meeting place" or "winding river." The name was first recorded by James Adair, a trader and historian, in the 18th century.

History

The name "Tennessee" was first used in the 1560s by Spanish explorer Juan Pardo when he encountered the village of Tanasi. The name was later adopted by English settlers and became the official name of the territory when it was organized as the Territory South of the River Ohio in 1790. When Tennessee became the 16th state of the United States on June 1, 1796, it retained the name.

Geographical Significance

The name "Tennessee" is closely associated with the Tennessee River, which flows through the state and is a major tributary of the Ohio River. The river played a crucial role in the state's history, serving as a vital transportation route for Native Americans, European settlers, and later, for trade and commerce.

Cultural Impact

The name "Tennessee" has been immortalized in various cultural references, including the famous song "Tennessee Waltz" and the nickname "The Volunteer State," which reflects the state's history of volunteer soldiers during the War of 1812 and the Mexican-American War.

Related Pages

• Tennessee
• Tennessee River
• Cherokee language
• Territory South of the River Ohio
• War of 1812
• Mexican-American War