License Plate Roundup: Tennessee

As RealTruck's License Plate Roundup series continues its tour across the United States, we're heading to the Southeast and into the heart of Appalachian country. Tennessee is a unique state, defined by music, mountains, and American history. From country and blues to civil war landmarks, the Volunteer State is undoubtedly diverse.

In this edition of License Plate Roundup, we'll explore Tennessee's colorful history, iconic attractions and landmarks, and some of the state's most distinctive license plate designs—stay tuned. 

Before diving into Tennessee's standout specialty plates, let's take a closer look at how the state came to be, what it's known for, and why cultural centers like Nashville continue to influence states across the country.

Tennessee was established as the 16th state of the Union on June 1, 1796. As the first state admitted after the original thirteen colonies, Tennessee is one of the oldest and most historically crucial states in the US. The territory originally belonged to North Carolina. However, after recording a population well above the 60,000 threshold of statehood in 1795, citizens voted to join the union. 

The name Tennessee is thought to be derived from the Cherokee town of Tanassie, symbolizing the state's deep Native American heritage. 

Tennessee is a massive hub of music and culture. Home to such influential cities as Nashville—home to the Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame—and Memphis—the birthplace of rock and roll—Tennessee is a cornerstone of American music. 

From a tourism perspective, Tennessee is no stranger to visitors. Standout attractions like Dolly Parton's Dollywood in Pigeon Forge and the National Civil Rights Museum pay homage to the state's greatest accomplishments, while the Great Smoky Mountains National Park showcases Tennessee's gorgeous natural scenery. 

Lastly, Tennessee is the birthplace of some of the most popular spirits, foods, and beverages. If you've ever eaten Nashville hot chicken, drank Mountain Dew, or sipped Jack Daniel's whiskey, thank Tennessee. 

Tennessee is known as the "Volunteer State," a nickname dating back to the War of 1812, when a large number of Tennesseans volunteered for military service. The name has held on ever since, symbolizing the state's service and patriotism. 

Tennessee offers a wide range of specialty license plates that reflect the state's agricultural heritage, conservation efforts, military support, and outdoor lifestyle. Most specialty plates follow a similar pricing structure, with an annual fee of $61.50—$35 of which is allocated to a designated organization.

Check out some of RealTruck's favorite Tennessee plates below.

Support Tennessee agriculture education and awareness programs with the Tennessee Agriculture license plate. This classic design, featuring a red barn and freshly groomed fields, carries an annual fee of $61.50—$35 of which directly benefits agriculture programs. 

As a symbol of our nation, the American Bald Eagle must be preserved at all costs. Showcase your patriotism and protect this majestic bird with an American Eagle Foundation license plate. This plate, which features a red, white, and blue motif alongside an illustration of the American Bald Eagle, carries an annual fee of $61.50—$35 of which directly benefits the preservation of the American Bald Eagle and its habitat. 

Outdoor lovers unite. The Appalachian Trail license plate is a must-have for Tennessee hikers, supporting the conservancy and preservation of the Appalachian Trail along the Tennessee–North Carolina border. The Appalachian Trail license plate, featuring the silhouette of a hiker, carries an annual fee of $61.50—$35 of which directly benefits Appalachian Trail Conservancy programs. 

Though the deadliest conflict in American history, the American Civil War played a significant role in shaping the United States' current culture. Tennessee is home to several battlefields, including Lookout Mountain, Stones River, and Fort Donelson. The Civil War Preservation license plate aims to preserve essential battlefields as historic monuments. Of the $61.50 collected annually, $35 is directly allocated to preservation efforts. 

Tennessee has a considerable hunting and birdwatching community. The only way we can ensure these animals are plentiful for future generations is to conserve their natural habitats, which is Ducks Unlimited's role. This license plate carries a $61.50 annual fee, with $35 of that fee directly benefiting wetland and waterfowl habitat conservation. 

One of Tennessee's biggest draws is its gorgeous natural beauty—from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Fall Creek Falls State Park. Keeping these parks filled with native trees, shrubs, and flowers is critical to maintaining their natural beauty, which is the aim of the Environment: State Parks license plate. Of the $61.50 annual fee, $35 directly supports the planting of native plants. 

Whether you're a military veteran, a wheeler, or both, the Explore TN license plate is the perfect addition to your ride. Featuring a stylish black-and-white motif with a Jeep cresting a mountain, this license plate perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the outdoor adventurer. This license plate carries a $61.50 fee, of which $35 directly benefits the children and families of fallen military service members. 

Honor and preserve the hunting and fishing heritage of Tennessee with the Sportsman Wildlife Foundation license plate. This license plate, depicting a buck before a green and yellow backdrop, carries an annual fee of $61.50—$35 of which benefits conservation efforts. 

If it isn't already obvious, Tennessee is a state shrouded in natural beauty. It's home to the most visited national park in the United States—Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The purchase of a Friends of the Great Smoky Mountains license plate sends $35 of the annual $61.50 fee directly to the National Park Service for the care of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Without bees, we don't have agriculture. These crucial insects are essential for the production of several crops and flowers in the great state of Tennessee and across the entire country. The Save the Bees license plate honors these tiny striped farmers, with $35 of the annual $61.50 fee benefiting honeybee education initiatives. 

With so many distinct specialty license plates available, Tennessee drivers have plenty of opportunities to personalize their ride and support their favorite causes. Once you receive your new license plate, protect and enhance it with RealTruck's selection of license plate accessories, including license plate frames, heavy-duty mounting brackets, relocation kits, anti-theft hardware, and illuminated plate bolts. 

Stay tuned for next month's License Plate Roundup feature as we explore another state's eye-catching license plate designs. And as always, if you're looking to upgrade your truck, Jeep®, or SUV, RealTruck has the parts and accessories to Bring Your Truck to Life.