Memphis, Tennessee

    Our next stop on our journey around the United States was Memphis, Tennessee.  We thought we would try a new format today to keep our readers’ interest.   

Q: What are some reasons to visit Tennessee?

A: We are known for their mouth-watering Memphis barbecue, the Grand Ole Opry, a concert hall for country music, the majestic Great Smoky Mountains, the home of Elvis, and blues music.

Q: What are the top five facts about your state?

A: First, Fed Ex was found in Tennessee, and the headquarters are still there.  Second, Reelfoot Lake was created by an earthquake in 1811 and is famous for eagle sightings.  Third, it is bordered by eight states.  Fourth, Tennessee is called the Volunteer State becuase of all the people that volunteered for the Civil War.  Finally, three presidents, Andrew Jackson, James K. Polk, and Andrew Johnson call Tennessee home.

Sidenote: This last fact about the presidents threw us through a loop after learning about North Carolina the previous day.  Both classes from these states claimed these three presidents.  After further research, we discovered that these three presidents were born in North Carolina but eventually moved to Tennessee before presidency.

Q: What are some fun activities in your state?

A: We like to camp, hike, and fish.  We also love to visit Dolly wood, a theme park created by Dolly Parton.

Q: What do you like to do at recess?

A: We have a life-size chess set and a climbing wall on our playground.

Q: What else would you like people to know about your state?

A: We have excellent colleges and universities like the University of Tennessee.  Memphis has a famous hotel called the Peabody with the phenomenal marching ducks.  Finally, you can visit Mud Island along the Mississippi River to see a model of the famous river that is big enough for kids to wade in.

We’ll see you later in Alabama!