Tennessee's State Symbols and What They Actually Say About Us

State symbols usually feel like a civics class afterthought. But Tennessee's list is long and specific — and if you actually read what's on it, it's kind of revealing about what Tennesseans think matters.

The Mockingbird (State Bird)

The northern mockingbird can imitate dozens of other birds' calls and is known for fearlessly dive-bombing animals much larger than itself. Tennessee picked a bird that's adaptable, loud, and not easily pushed around. Accurate.

The Iris (State Flower)

Wild iris grows across Tennessee's fields and creek banks every spring. Hardy, comes back every year, doesn't need much tending. That tracks.

The Tomato (State Fruit)

Yes, fruit. Tennessee declared the tomato its state fruit in 2003. Botanically and legally: yes, it's a fruit. Tennessee grows a lot of them. The Grainger County tomato has a reputation that extends well beyond state lines.

Rocky Top (One of Nine State Songs)

Tennessee has nine official state songs, more than any other state. Rocky Top is the one everyone knows. It was written in ten minutes in 1967 by two Georgians and became a UT fight song so beloved it plays roughly 47 times during every home football game. Tennessee claimed it anyway.

The Volunteer State (State Nickname)

In the War of 1812, the federal government asked Tennessee for 3,500 volunteers. Over 30,000 showed up. The nickname was earned, and it's been the defining piece of the state's self-image ever since.

Tennessee's symbols are specific because Tennesseans are specific about what they're proud of. The details matter here.

The details matter to us too. Shop Tennessee Pride Apparel — designed around what actually makes Tennessee Tennessee.