In the heart of Tennessee lies a tapestry of symbols and honors that echo the state’s rich heritage and natural wonders. While many are familiar with the Tristar circle emblazoning Tennessee’s state flag, the nuances of the state’s official emblems extend far beyond this iconic design.

Tennessee, known as the Volunteer State, has curated an impressive collection of symbols over the years, each reflecting a unique aspect of its identity. From beverages to wild animals, these emblems celebrate the diverse cultural and natural landscape of the state.

News Channel 11, alongside its affiliate News 2, has delved into these symbols, uncovering the fascinating stories behind them. Some of these symbols, such as the state beverage or the official wild animal, might even catch you off guard!

State Flag

The state flag, officially adopted in 1905, is a testament to Tennessee’s regional diversity. Featuring three stars, it symbolizes the state’s three grand divisions: East, Middle, and West Tennessee. This flag was crafted by Captain LeRoy Reeves of the Tennessee National Guard and was first hoisted above the grounds that now house East Tennessee State University, located in Reeves’ hometown of Johnson City.

In an intriguing nod to its unique fauna, Tennessee designated the Tennessee Cave Salamander as the official state amphibian in 1995. This remarkable creature, with its distinctive red external gills, broad flat head, and small eyes, thrives in the limestone caves of central and southeastern Tennessee, particularly those with flowing streams.

State Amphibian

Yes, you read that correctly. Tennessee declared an official state amphibian in 1995. The Tennessee Cave Salamander has three red external gills, a broad, flat head with small eyes and a tail fin. It is most often found in limestone caves that contain streams in central and southeast Tennessee. 

State beverage

Move over, whiskey! Milk received the official stamp as a state symbol in 2009. The state’s Blue Book reports that Tennessee’s dairy industry produced nearly 100 million pounds of milk in 2007, with cash receipts for milk and milk products totaling nearly $202 million.

State wildflowers

Tennessee has two official wildflowers. In 1919, the General Assembly determined that a state flower should be chosen by schoolchildren in the Volunteer State. According to the State Blue Book, the passion flower was chosen, commonly known as the “maypop, the wild apricot, and the ocoee.”

Then, in 2012, the 107th General Assembly added Tennessee Echinacea, also known as the coneflower, as an official state wildflower. At one point it was thought to be extinct, but the coneflower was rediscovered in the 1960s, and thanks to conservation efforts, it has recovered.

State fruit

Whether you pronounce it tuh-mei-tow or tuh-mah-tow, the tomato has been the official state fruit since 2003. “While commonly considered, and commonly functioning as, a vegetable, the tomato is, botanically speaking, a fruit,” according to the state’s website.

State wild animal

The furry animal with a bushy, ringed tail and a band of black hair around its eyes has been the state’s official wild animal since 1971. Raccoons living in Tennessee measure from 30 to 38 inches long and weigh from 12 to 25 pounds.

State Motto

Tennessee’s motto — “Agriculture and Commerce” — comes from the wording used on the state’s official seal. It was officially adopted in 1987.

State gem

The 91st General Assembly designated the Tennessee River Pearl as the state gem in 1979. Found in mussels within the freshwater rivers, Tennessee pearls come in all colors and various shapes.

State dog

Tennessee Volunteer fans may recognize the state’s official dog since it’s the university’s mascot. According to the State Blue Book, the Bluetick Coonhound was designated as the official state dog in 2019.

State artifact

An ancient stone discovered in 1939 on Sellars Farm in Wilson County was designated the official state artifact in 2014. According to the State Blue Book, the prehistoric Native American artifact is made sandstone and is a “prime example of the Tennessee-Cumberland Style of Mississippian stone statuary crafted and used during the Mississippian period.”

State insects

Designated in 1975, the firefly and ladybug are the state’s official insects. The firefly produces light, which is generated in special organs, acts as an a protective mechanism and also attracts mates.

Meanwhile, the ladybug, also known as the lady beetle, are sold to farmers to control pests like aphids.

State reptile

In 1995, the state adopted the Eastern box turtle as its reptile. These creatures only grow to about six inches and can be distinguished by its dark black or brown shell with bright yellow, red or orange spots.

State Tree

According to the state’s website, the tulip poplar was designated the official state tree in 1947 and was “extensively used by the pioneers of the state to construct houses, barns, and other necessary farm buildings.”

State Folk Dance

Pop into any honky tonk along Broadway and you will see folks participating in the state’s official folk dance — square dancing.

After designating the dance, the 91st General Assembly stated, ‘”Among the traditions (of our ancestors) that have survived intact is the Square Dance, a uniquely attractive art form that remains a vibrant and entertaining part of Tennessee folklore,” according to the State Blue Book.

State food

Hot slaw is a bit of a spicier alternative to coleslaw that can be added onto hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken sandwiches or even pinto beans. A bill making the vinegary and mustardy dish the first official state food got its final approval in 2024.

State holiday song

The House voted to designate Brenda Lee’s “Rockin Around the Christmas Tree” as the state’s first holiday song.

The song, which Lee recorded in Nashville when she was just 13 years old, made it to No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart in 2023.

To learn more about symbols of the Volunteer State, check out the Tennessee Blue Book.