The Tennessee History Nerd

We'd love to hear what you think! In 1796, Tennessee became the 16th state in the Union—but that moment didn’t come easily. Before statehood, this land was a rugged frontier—marked by scattered settlements, political uncertainty, and a determined push toward self-government. The people here weren’t waiting around for permission. They were building something. In this first episode of The Tennes...

We'd love to hear what you think! Why is Tennessee called the Volunteer State ? It’s one of those names everyone recognizes—but not everyone really understands. The answer isn’t just a slogan or a bit of folklore. It’s a story rooted in moments when Tennesseans stepped forward—sometimes unexpectedly—and left a lasting mark on American history. In this episode of The Tennessee History Nerd , we...

We'd love to hear what you think! There was a time when people traveled from across the region to a quiet corner of Tennessee—not for business, not for politics, but for healing. Tucked away in Warren County, Nicholson Springs Resort was once a thriving destination. Visitors came for the mineral waters, the scenery, and the promise of restoration. For a season, it flourished. And then… it was...

We'd love to hear what you think! In the years after the Civil War, freedom had come—but stability had not. In Nashville, a small group of students at Fisk University faced an uncertain future. Their school was struggling. Resources were scarce. The path forward wasn’t clear. So they did something unexpected. They sang. What began as a desperate effort to raise funds became something far great...

We'd love to hear what you think! Welcome to The Tennessee History Nerd . This podcast is a labor of love—an exploration of the places, people, and stories that make Tennessee what it is. From quiet cemeteries and forgotten landmarks to well-known events seen in a new light, this project is built on the belief that history isn’t distant… it’s all around us. In this introductory episode, I shar...