TENNESSEE STATE CAPITOL, STATE FLAG, DAVY CROCKETT

The capitol building was designed by noted architect William Strickland. It was begun in 1845 and completed in 1859. Marble quarried in Tennessee was used for the primary building material. As a matter of fact, in some reading I've done about the state capitol, I found it fascinating that the architect, William Strickland, died during its construction and is buried within the walls of the capitol.

I also read about the symbolism of the stars and white band on Tennessee's State Flag. The State Flag was adopted in 1905 and the three stars on the flag represent the grand divisions of the state: East, Middle and West. The white band binds the stars together in unity. This, in a way, symbolizes the unity of the people of the state of Tennessee.

OK, now let me change my direction a little. Let's see...................

Did you know that Davy Crockett was born in Tennessee? I think everyone knows about Davy Crockett. He was that fella that was born on a mountain top in Tennessee like the songs says, right? WRONG! Well, the part about being born in Tennessee is right. But he was actually born Colonel David Stern Crockett on August 17, 1786 and was raised in eastern Tennessee in Green County. He was known as an expert shot, and a humble and witty speaker, and he became a national celebrity, but we all know him as the famous Davy Crockett, "King of the Wild Frontier". Gee, he was awesome, quite a man. He also represented Tennessee in the U.S. House of Representatives, served in the Texas Revolution, and died at the age of 49 at the Battle of the Alamo which took place in San Antonio, Texas in 1835. A total of 32 Tennesseans (including Davy) died at the Alamo. I wonder if Davy Crockett would have lived longer what he could have achieved? Do you think he could have become president? We'll never know.

ANOTHER DUMB LAW IN TENNESSEE: Hollow logs may not be sold.

TENNESSEE INVENTION: The Barrett .50-Caliber Rifle was invented in Murfreesboro , Tennessee in 1982 by Ronnie G. Barrett, a former professional photographer and lifelong gun enthusiast. Still headquartered in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Barrett Firearms Manufacturing is the world's leader in large-caliber rifle design and manufacturing.

Your Favorite Tennessean

Eunice