"Agriculture and Commerce" (Official)
The Tennessee state motto is one of the youngest state
mottoes and was adopted by the General Assembly as late as in
the year of 1987.
The Tennessee motto is taken from wordings featured on the 1801
great seal of Tennessee.
The Tennessee motto "Agriculture and Commerce" is also
symbolically represented on the seal. On the seal is pictured a
plough, a sheaf, and cotton stalk which all contribute to
represent the state values attributed agriculture. Commerce is
symbolized by the riverboat.
The Tennessee state motto is similar to one of the
Georgia state mottos.
Tennessee State Nicknames
Whereas there is only one Tennessee motto, there exist a
number of state nicknames for Tennessee:
"The Volunteer State"
This is one of the most well-liked nicknames of the Tennessee as
is refers to honour and courage.
This Tennessee state nickname refers to the War of 1812 when
thousands of brave Tennessean men volunteered to Governor
Blount’s call for enlistment.
"The Mother of Southwestern Statesmen"
This is another nickname with essence in pride. It refers to the
Tennesseans' efforts in influencing and shaping the national
government.
Many national offices have been held by Tennesseans, in fact
three presidents called Tennessee their home: Andrew Jackson
(7th), James K. Polk (11th), and Andrew Johnson (17th).
"The Big Bend State"
“The River with the Big Bend†was an Indian name for the
Tennessee River.
"The Lion’s Den State"
“The Lion’s Den State†is referred to by .C. Thomas but no
explanation of the background is provided.
"The Hog and Hominy State"
This nickname refers back to a particular time period
(1830-1840) when Tennessee produced large quantities of corn and
pork. The nickname is not in much use today.
Tennessee State Slogans
Whereas the Tennessee motto intends to describe values
important to Tennessee – Tennessee motto: "Agriculture and
Commerce" – Tennessee state slogans focus especially on
attracting tourists, and as you will see, some are more serious
in nature than others:
"Tennessee – America at Its Best"
This Tennessee state slogan was adopted as official state slogan
in 1965. It can be seen on the web site of Middle Tennessee
Tourism Council:
MiddleTennesseeTourism.com
"The Stage Is Set For You"
This is another Tennessee slogan which can be seen on the web
site of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development:
TNVacation.com
"Sounds Good to Me"
This is a former Tennessee slogan.
"Follow Me To Tennessee"
This is also a former Tennessee slogan.
"Tennessee: The Educashun State"
"Tennessee: Where Teeth are Optional"
"Tennessee: Don't Make me Take off my Bible Belt"
"Tennessee: As Seen on COPS"
"Tennessee: Got Teeth"
"Tennessee: The Dollywood State"
Some of these Tennessee
funny state slogans can be bought on t-shirts and other
souvenir items.
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