Historical Events tagged with "Tennessee"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Crime & Law

Lillelid Murders Shock Greene County Community

April 6th, 1997 27 years ago

The Lillelid murders involved the tragic killing of a family in Greene County, Tennessee, by a group of young offenders. The victims included 38-year-old and 36-year-old, along with their two children, ages 6 and 2, during a robbery that escalated violently. This incident unfolded on a roadside rest area, and the young perpetrators sought to steal the family's vehicle. What followed was a shocking event that reverberated through the community, highlighting issues of youth crime and violence.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Tennessee First to Rejoin Congress Post-Civil War

July 24th, 1866 158 years ago

Tennessee made history as the first state to be readmitted to the U.S. Congress after the Civil War in July 1866. This pivotal moment followed the state's efforts towards reconstruction and its acceptance of the 14th Amendment. A group of Tennessee elected officials was seated in Congress, marking a significant step towards reintegration and healing for the nation. The complex political landscape surrounding Reconstruction influenced this process, reflecting broader national debates about civil rights and governance.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Longstreet Abandons Siege of Knoxville, Tennessee

December 4th, 1863 161 years ago

Confederate General James Longstreet lifted his siege of Knoxville, Tennessee, after a prolonged effort to capture the city. The siege began in November and aimed to secure a strategic position for the Confederacy in East Tennessee. Longstreet's forces struggled against the fortified Union defenders led by General Ambrose Burnside, who successfully held the city despite the numerical superiority of the Confederate troops. The withdrawal marked an important moment in the broader context of the war as it underscored the challenges faced by Confederate forces in securing critical territories.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Union Forces Capture Lookout Mountain

November 24th, 1863 161 years ago

Union forces, commanded by General Ulysses S. Grant, captured Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga, Tennessee, marking a pivotal moment in the American Civil War. The successful assault on this strategic elevation was part of a larger campaign aimed at breaking the Confederate siege led by General Braxton Bragg. The battle was noted for its dramatic fighting conditions, including steep terrain and fog, which added to the challenges faced by the Union troops.

Continue Reading
Social Movements & Civil Rights

Andrew Johnson Frees Personal Slaves in Tennessee

August 8th, 1863 161 years ago

Andrew Johnson, the Military Governor of Tennessee, freed his personal slaves in Greeneville, Tennessee, despite their exemption from the Emancipation Proclamation. This act signified a personal commitment to emancipation and sparked broader discussions about slavery and freedom in the midst of the Civil War.

Continue Reading