From the Great Smoky Mountains to the winding Mississippi River, Tennessee is a state filled with history, natural beauty, and cultural pride. Its official symbols tell stories about the land, wildlife, music, traditions, and people that have shaped the Volunteer State. Each symbol represents a special part of Tennessee’s identity.
But Tennessee state symbols are more than just official names on a list. The state flower, bird, tree, animal, song, gemstone, and other symbols each have a unique history and meaning. Some connect to Tennessee’s rich natural environment, while others reflect its famous musical heritage and long-standing traditions.
In this guide, we’ll explore the Tennessee state symbols, what they mean, when they were adopted, and why they remain important today. Whether you’re a student, traveler, Tennessee resident, or simply curious about state history, this complete list will help you understand the stories and significance behind Tennessee’s most recognized symbols.
Tennessee State Symbols at a Glance
Here is a quick list of some of Tennessee’s most important official state symbols:
| Category | Tennessee State Symbol |
| State Flag | Tennessee State Flag |
| State Seal | Great Seal of the State of Tennessee |
| State Motto | Agriculture and Commerce |
| State Nickname | The Volunteer State |
| State Bird | Northern Mockingbird |
| State Game Bird | Bobwhite Quail |
| State Flower | Iris |
| State Wildflowers | Passion Flower and Tennessee Coneflower |
| State Tree | Tulip Poplar |
| State Wild Animal | Raccoon |
| State Sport Fish | Smallmouth Bass |
| State Reptile | Eastern Box Turtle |
| State Amphibian | Tennessee Cave Salamander |
| State Horse | Tennessee Walking Horse |
| State Butterfly | Zebra Swallowtail |
| State Fruit | Tomato |
| State Beverage | Milk |
| State Gem | Tennessee River Pearl |
| State Mineral | Agate |
| State Rock | Limestone |
| State Fossil | Pterotrigonia |
| State Insects | Firefly, Lady Beetle, and Honeybee |
Tennessee State Flag
The Tennessee state flag is one of the state’s most recognizable symbols. It features three white stars inside a blue circle on a red field.
The three stars represent Tennessee’s three grand divisions:
- East Tennessee
- Middle Tennessee
- West Tennessee
The three divisions are represented together within the blue circle, symbolizing the unity of the state.
The flag was designed by LeRoy Reeves, a Tennessee National Guard member, and was officially adopted in 1905.
Tennessee State Seal
The Great Seal of the State of Tennessee is another important state symbol. It contains imagery representing agriculture and commerce, two major themes in Tennessee’s history.
The seal includes symbols such as a plow, wheat, cotton, and a riverboat. The Roman numeral XVI represents Tennessee’s position as the 16th state admitted to the Union.
The state seal therefore connects Tennessee’s agricultural traditions, transportation, commerce, and place in American history.
Tennessee State Motto
Tennessee’s official state motto is:
“Agriculture and Commerce.”
The motto reflects two industries that have played a major role in the state’s economic and historical development. Agriculture has been important to Tennessee communities for generations, while commerce represents trade and business.
Tennessee State Nickname
Tennessee is widely known as the “Volunteer State.”
The nickname comes from the state’s history of military volunteers. Tennessee became particularly associated with volunteer soldiers during the War of 1812.
The name has remained an important part of Tennessee’s identity and is still commonly used today.
Tennessee State Bird
The Northern Mockingbird is Tennessee’s official state bird.
The mockingbird is known for its ability to imitate the songs and sounds of other birds. It can be found in many areas of Tennessee and is recognized for its distinctive singing.
Tennessee officially selected the mockingbird as its state bird in 1933.
Tennessee State Game Bird
The Bobwhite Quail is Tennessee’s official state game bird.
This small bird is recognized for its distinctive call and has historically been an important game species in Tennessee. Its inclusion among the state’s symbols reflects the state’s wildlife and hunting traditions.
Tennessee State Flower
The Iris is Tennessee’s official state cultivated flower.
Iris flowers are known for their attractive blooms and are popular in gardens and landscapes. Tennessee adopted the iris as its state cultivated flower, making it one of the state’s most recognizable plant symbols.
Tennessee State Wildflowers
Tennessee also recognizes official wildflowers. These include the Passion Flower and the Tennessee Coneflower.
The Tennessee Coneflower is particularly notable because it is native to Tennessee and has become an important symbol of the state’s native plant life.
Tennessee State Tree
The Tulip Poplar is Tennessee’s official state tree.
It is a large, fast-growing tree that grows throughout much of Tennessee. It produces distinctive flowers that resemble tulips, which is where its common name comes from.
The tulip poplar is important to Tennessee’s forests and has also historically been valued for its timber.
Tennessee officially designated the tulip poplar as its state tree in 1947.
Tennessee State Wild Animal
The Raccoon is Tennessee’s official state wild animal.
Raccoons are common throughout Tennessee and are easily identified by their masked faces and ringed tails. They are adaptable animals that can live in forests, rural areas, and areas near human communities.
The raccoon became Tennessee’s official state wild animal in 1971.
Tennessee State Fish
The Smallmouth Bass is Tennessee’s official state sport fish.
Smallmouth bass are popular with anglers and can be found in Tennessee’s rivers, lakes, and streams. Sport fishing is an important recreational activity in the state, making the smallmouth bass a fitting symbol.
Tennessee also recognizes separate categories of commercial fish, so “state fish” and “state sport fish” should not be treated as exactly the same designation.
Tennessee State Reptile
The Eastern Box Turtle is Tennessee’s official state reptile.
This land turtle can be found in wooded areas, fields, and other habitats across the state. Its colorful shell and ability to withdraw into its shell when threatened make it easy to recognize.
The eastern box turtle represents Tennessee’s diverse native wildlife.
Tennessee State Amphibian
The Tennessee Cave Salamander is the official state amphibian.
This salamander is associated with Tennessee’s extensive cave systems and underground habitats. Tennessee is well known for its caves, making the species an especially appropriate symbol of the state’s unique natural environment.
Tennessee State Horse
The Tennessee Walking Horse is Tennessee’s official state horse.
The breed originated in Tennessee and became known for its smooth, distinctive gait. It has played an important role in the state’s agricultural and equestrian traditions.
The Tennessee Walking Horse is one of the clearest examples of a state symbol directly connected to Tennessee’s history and culture.
Tennessee State Butterfly
The Zebra Swallowtail is Tennessee’s official state butterfly.
It is recognizable by its black-and-white striped wings and is closely associated with pawpaw trees, which provide food for its caterpillars.
The butterfly represents Tennessee’s native wildlife and natural ecosystems.
Tennessee State Insects
Tennessee recognizes several official insect symbols, including the firefly, lady beetle, and honeybee.
Firefly
The firefly is a familiar nighttime insect known for producing flashes of light. Fireflies are especially popular during warm summer evenings and are an important part of Tennessee’s natural environment.
Lady Beetle
The lady beetle, commonly called a ladybug, is another official Tennessee insect symbol. Lady beetles are beneficial insects because many species feed on pests such as aphids.
Honeybee
The honeybee is important to agriculture because it helps pollinate many crops and plants. Its role in pollination makes it a meaningful symbol of Tennessee’s agricultural heritage.
Tennessee State Fruit
The tomato is Tennessee’s official state fruit.
Although tomatoes are often used as vegetables in cooking, botanically they are fruits. Tennessee designated the tomato as its official state fruit in 2003.
The tomato is also closely connected to Tennessee agriculture.
Tennessee State Beverage
Milk is Tennessee’s official state beverage.
Milk was designated as the state beverage in 2009. The choice reflects the importance of dairy farming and agriculture in Tennessee.
Tennessee State Gem
The Tennessee River Pearl is Tennessee’s official state gem.
These freshwater pearls are associated with Tennessee’s rivers and waterways. Pearling was historically an important activity in parts of the state, making the Tennessee River pearl both a natural and historical symbol.
Tennessee State Mineral
Agate is Tennessee’s official state mineral.
Tennessee agate is valued for its attractive colors and patterns and is popular among collectors. It also reflects the state’s geological diversity.
There is an interesting historical distinction: agate was once designated Tennessee’s state rock, but its official classification was later changed to state mineral.
Tennessee State Rock
Limestone is Tennessee’s official state rock.
Limestone is found throughout the state and has been an important natural resource. It has applications in construction, industry, and other areas of Tennessee’s economy.
The state’s limestone also reflects the geological history of Tennessee.
Tennessee State Fossil
Tennessee’s official state fossil is Pterotrigonia (Scabrotrigonia) thoracica, an extinct bivalve.
This fossil is associated with Tennessee’s geological history, particularly the Cretaceous period. Its designation highlights the importance of fossils and geology in understanding the state’s ancient environment.
Tennessee State Tartan
Tennessee also has an official state tartan, a patterned textile associated with the state’s heritage and identity.
The tartan provides another cultural symbol alongside Tennessee’s flag, seal, music, wildlife, and agricultural symbols.
Why Does Tennessee Have So Many State Symbols?
Each state symbol represents a different part of Tennessee’s identity.
Some symbols come from nature, such as the tulip poplar, mockingbird, raccoon, and Tennessee Cave Salamander. Others represent agriculture, such as the tomato, milk, and honeybee.
Historical symbols such as the state flag, Great Seal, and Volunteer State nickname connect Tennessee with its political and cultural history.
Together, these symbols create a picture of Tennessee’s environment, economy, history, and traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee State Symbols
What is Tennessee’s most famous state symbol?
The Tennessee state flag and the Volunteer State nickname are among the most recognizable symbols associated with Tennessee.
What is Tennessee’s state bird?
Tennessee’s state bird is the Northern Mockingbird, officially selected in 1933.
What is Tennessee’s state flower?
The Iris is Tennessee’s official state cultivated flower. The state also recognizes the Passion Flower and Tennessee Coneflower as wildflowers.
What is Tennessee’s state tree?
The Tulip Poplar is Tennessee’s official state tree.
What is Tennessee’s state animal?
The Raccoon is Tennessee’s official state wild animal.
What is Tennessee’s state fish?
The Smallmouth Bass is Tennessee’s official state sport fish.
What is Tennessee’s state reptile?
The Eastern Box Turtle is Tennessee’s official state reptile.
What is Tennessee’s state amphibian?
The Tennessee Cave Salamander is the official state amphibian.
What is Tennessee’s state fruit?
The Tomato is Tennessee’s official state fruit.
What is Tennessee’s state beverage?
Milk is Tennessee’s official state beverage.
What is Tennessee’s state gemstone?
The Tennessee River Pearl is Tennessee’s official state gem.
What is Tennessee’s state mineral?
Agate is Tennessee’s official state mineral.
What is Tennessee’s state rock?
Limestone is Tennessee’s official state rock.
What is Tennessee’s state horse?
The Tennessee Walking Horse is the official state horse.
Why is Tennessee called the Volunteer State?
Tennessee is called the Volunteer State because of the state’s strong history of military volunteers, especially during the War of 1812.
Final Thoughts
The Tennessee state symbols tell the story of the Volunteer State from many different perspectives. The mockingbird represents native wildlife, the iris represents Tennessee’s plant life, the tulip poplar represents its forests, and the raccoon represents its wild animals.
Other symbols highlight agriculture, geology, and history, including the tomato, milk, Tennessee River pearl, agate, limestone, and Tennessee Walking Horse.
By looking at these official symbols together, it becomes easier to understand Tennessee’s natural resources, traditions, and cultural identity. Whether you are researching Tennessee for a school project or simply want to learn more about the state, its official symbols provide a useful starting point.
I am John Carter, a lifelong enthusiast of language and modern slang. I explore how words evolve and shape culture, and I enjoy uncovering the stories behind everyday expressions. I have authored “Slang and Society: The Language of Youth” and “Modern Words, Modern Worlds”, where I dive into how informal language impacts communication and identity. My goal is to make language accessible, fun, and insightful for everyone who loves words as much as I do.
Lisa Reynolds
Marcus Lee