Statehood The 16th state June 1, 1796 Captial Nashville State Motto Agriculture and commerce Origin of State Name The name may come from Tanasi, the Cherokee name for a village on the Little Tennessee River. State Nickname The Volunteer State This unofficial nickname recognizes the valor of volunteer soldiers from the state during wars in the 18th and 19th centuries. Interesting Facts The National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis marks the site where Martin Luther King, Jr., was assassinated in 1968. On a clear day five states are visible from Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga. Bluegrass music originated in Bristol, in northeastern Tennessee.