Tennessee Trivia Questions and Answers

Tennessee is filled with fascinating history, culture, sports teams, musicians, and landmarks. Learning more about the Volunteer State through trivia is a fun way to discover more about this unique southern state.

Below are some Tennessee trivia questions and answers covering various topics related to Tennessee. Test your knowledge and learn new things about Tennessee's politics, cities, food, sports, music and more!

For more quizzes, see our trivia quiz sitemap.

Tennessee History Trivia

Q1: What is Tennessee's official nickname?

A1: Tennessee's official nickname is the Volunteer State. This nickname originated during the War of 1812 when Tennessee sent more volunteers to fight the British than what was requested.

Q2: Memphis was named after an ancient city on the Nile River in which country?

A2: Memphis was named after the ancient city of Memphis in Egypt. Memphis, Tennessee was founded in 1819.

Q3: What two cities played host to the famous Scopes "Monkey" Trial in 1925?

A3: The Scopes Trial took place in Dayton and was appealed at the Rhea County Courthouse in Dayton. This famous trial debated whether evolution could be taught in schools.

Famous Tennesseans Trivia

Q4: What famous frontiersman and Congressman lived in Tennessee and was known for wearing clothing made from animal skins?

A4: Davy Crockett lived in Tennessee and was known for his frontier skills and wearing raccoon skin hats. He served as a Congressman for Tennessee.

Q5: What famous singer known as "The King" was born in Tupelo, Mississippi but moved to Memphis as a teenager in 1948?

A5: Elvis Presley, The King of Rock and Roll, moved to Memphis as a teenager and began his legendary music career there.

Q6: What famous country music star known for hits like "Coal Miner's Daughter" was born in Butcher Hollow, Kentucky but spent much of her early career performing in Nashville?

A6: Loretta Lynn moved to Nashville in 1960 and performed at the Grand Ole Opry, helping make country music popular with hits like "Coal Miner's Daughter".

Tennessee Sports Trivia

Q7: What NFL team plays in Nashville?

A7: The Tennessee Titans play in Nashville. Originally called the Houston Oilers, they moved to Nashville in 1997.

Q8: What baseball team plays in Memphis?

A8: The Memphis Redbirds, the Triple-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, play in Memphis.

Q9: What prestigious horse race takes place every year in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky but was originally run in Nashville from 1875 to 1889?

A9: The Kentucky Derby was originally known as the Kentucky Stakes and was run in Nashville for its first 15 years before moving to Louisville.

Tennessee Music Trivia

Q10: Nashville is famously known as "Music City". It earned this nickname in the 1950s from what radio show that was broadcast from there?

A10: The Grand Ole Opry radio show, which featured many country music artists, led to Nashville's "Music City" nickname. The show began broadcasting in Nashville in 1943.

Q11: What record label located in Bristol was known as the "Birthplace of Country Music" and recorded early country music stars like the Carter Family?

A11: The Victor Talking Machine Company opened a studio in Bristol in 1927 that recorded early country music hits. This led to Bristol being known as the birthplace of country music.

Q12: Memphis is considered a "Birthplace of the Blues". What famous blues singer was known as the "King of the Blues" and lived in Memphis?

A12: B.B. King was considered one of the most influential blues guitarists and lived in Memphis, helping establish it as a center for blues music.

Tennessee Food Trivia

Q13: What popular soda brand was invented by a pharmacist in 1886 and is still produced in Nashville today?

A13: Coca-Cola was invented by John Pemberton in Atlanta in 1886, but production soon moved to Nashville by 1895. The soft drink is still produced there today.

Q14: Goo Goo Cluster was the first combination candy bar created in 1912 and blended chocolate, caramel, marshmallow and what else?

A14: Goo Goo Cluster also featured peanuts in addition to chocolate, caramel and marshmallow. It is still produced in Nashville.

Q15: Which fast food chain known for fried chicken got its start in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1952 but is headquartered today in Nashville?

A15: KFC, or Kentucky Fried Chicken, opened its first location in Utah but moved its headquarters to Nashville in 1986 where it remains today.

East Tennessee Trivia

Q16: What mountain range runs through the eastern part of Tennessee?

A16: The Great Smoky Mountains run through eastern Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located there.

Q17: Oak Ridge became known as the "Secret City" during WWII for what reason?

A17: Oak Ridge was home to facilities related to the Manhattan Project that developed the first atomic bombs, so it earned the nickname "Secret City".

Q18: What major river runs along Tennessee's border with Arkansas?

A18: The Mississippi River forms most of Tennessee's western border with Arkansas. The river also flows along Tennessee's border with Missouri further north.

Middle Tennessee Trivia

Q19: What was the first state capital of Tennessee?

A19: Knoxville was the first capital of Tennessee from 1796 until 1812 when the capital moved to Nashville.

Q20: Where was the Battle of Nashville fought in 1864 that was a major defeat for the Confederate Army in the Civil War?

A20: The Battle of Nashville took place in Nashville and surrounding areas in 1864, helping to seal the fate of the Confederacy in the war.

Q21: What famous canyon located just outside Nashville features waterfalls and scenic overlooks?

A21: Cummins Falls State Park is located about 75 miles outside Nashville and features a scenic 75-foot waterfall.

West Tennessee Trivia

Q22: Which important president was born near Hodgensville, Tennessee in 1809?

A22: President Abraham Lincoln was born in Kentucky but his family moved to Tennessee when he was young. He grew up in Middle Tennessee.

Q23: What famous town is known for blues music located between Memphis and Nashville that hosts the Beale Street Music Festival?

A23: The town of Tunica located between Memphis and Nashville has become known for blues music and casinos along the Mississippi River.

Q24: Which branch of the armed forces has a major base near Millington, Tennessee?

A24: The Memphis Naval Support Activity station is located in Millington, supporting naval operations.

Random Tennessee Trivia

Q25: About how many caves are there in Tennessee? Is it around 300, 900, or over 10,000?

A25: Tennessee is home to over 10,000 caves, more than any other state in the country. Many are located in the Appalachian region.

Q26: Which event does Elizabethton claim to have first celebrated in America in 1927 that is now a popular holiday event?

A26: Elizabethton claims to have first celebrated Halloween in America after the community coordinated a special event in 1927.

Q27: Tennessee has an official state firearm. Is it a rifle, shotgun, or handgun?

A27: Tennessee's official state firearm is a rifle - the Barrett M82 sniper rifle, developed by a Tennessee native.

Q28: About how many tons of trash are deposited into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park annually? Is it around 5 tons, 50 tons, or 500 tons?

A28: Unfortunately about 500 tons of trash is deposited annually in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park by visitors. Proper disposal is encouraged.

Q29: Which Tennessee-based company is known for its chain of popular chicken restaurants as well as charitable donations?

A29: Chick-fil-A is headquartered in Georgia but founder S. Truett Cathy was born in Tennessee where he opened his first restaurant.

Q30: Dolly Parton's famous Dollywood theme park is located where in Tennessee?

A30: Dollywood is located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. It is one of Tennessee's top attractions.

Conclusion

I hope these Tennessee trivia questions were able to teach you something new about the state's history, culture, sports, music, landmarks and more. Tennessee has been home to many influential people and events that have impacted the country. There's always more to explore in the Volunteer State, from its bustling cities like Nashville and Memphis to scenic Appalachian trails. Tennessee offers something for everyone to enjoy. How many trivia questions were you familiar with already and how many taught you new facts about Tennessee?