CNF

Lisa Herrick – Staff Writer

2/13/26

This information is derived from a video called, “50 ABSURD Facts About Tennessee! (Even Locals Don’t Know),” by Spring Rolls https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7KqyIwOQes, and includes highlights surprising and often bizarre facts about Tennessee that go beyond its well-known association with country music and Dolly Parton (0:21). The video covers a wide range of topics, from historical events and inventions to unique geographical features and peculiar laws.

Here are some of the key takeaways:

• Geographical and Cultural Crossroads (0:51): Tennessee borders eight other states, making it a central hub in the American South, absorbing diverse cultural influences.
• Surprising Inventions (1:25): Discoveries include Mountain Dew (originally a whiskey mixer), cotton candy (invented by a dentist), the tow truck, and miniature golf.
• Unusual Laws and Regulations (5:44): The state has some odd laws, such as the illegality of hunting whales (despite being landlocked) and smuggling live skunks, but it’s legal to eat roadkill.
• Unique Animal Facts (8:07): Learn about the fainting goats, protected white squirrels of Kenton, and the Elephant Sanctuary in Hoenwald.
• Natural Wonders and Landmarks (9:54): Highlights include the synchronized fireflies of the Great Smoky Mountains, Clingman’s Dome (offering views of seven states), and the largest underground lake in the U.S., the Lost Sea.
• Historical and Cultural Significance (10:59): The video touches on the true birthplace of country music in Bristol, the historical significance of Graceland and the Million Dollar Quartet, and Dolly Parton’s literacy program.
• Architectural Oddities (13:48): Explore the Nashville Parthenon (a full-scale replica of the Greek landmark) and the Memphis Pyramid (now a Bass Pro Shops retail store).
• Darker Historical Moments (19:10): The video mentions the tragic execution of an elephant in Kingsport and the site of Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination.
• “Absurd” Facts and Defiance of Logic (19:58): This section covers events like the Battle of Athens (a successful armed rebellion), Tennessee having the most documented caves, the famous Bell Witch haunting, and the “Body Farm” at the University of Tennessee.
• The Manhattan Project’s Secret City (23:40): Oak Ridge, a secret city built during World War II to enrich uranium for the atomic bomb, consumed enormous amounts of electricity but didn’t appear on any maps.
• Mississippi River Flowing Backward (24:17): The video concludes with the New Madrid earthquakes of 1811-18112, which were so powerful they caused the Mississippi River to flow backward and created Reelfoot Lake.
  

  

The video is about 25 minutes long and is an interesting and educational viewing with fifty facts about the Volunteer State that you may never have heard of, but for those who prefer not to watch the video I have laid out the highlights above along with their location within the video. The one that I was surprised by was that Mountain Dew was created in Tn. for a drink mixer.

I hope you enjoy these facts and if you decide to watch the video it is worth the watch as the explanation of these facts is very entertaining!