Plus One : Tennessee, The Volunteer State

The USA is made up of fifty incredible states, with each state being unique is its own magical way, so it's very difficult to say that I like one more than the other...with two exceptions. Texas and Tennessee. Texas is number one because...well, it's Texas. And home. If I weren't a Texan, I'd be honored to call Tennessee home. It's an easy call for me because the histories of Texas and Tennessee are forever intertwined (Davy Crockett and the Alamo anyone?). According to 50states.com , "Tennessee won its nickname as The Volunteer State during the War of 1812 when volunteer soldiers from Tennessee displayed marked valor in the Battle of New Orleans". Marked valor at he Battle of New Orleans and such indescribable bravery and sacrifice at the Alamo. These are my people, those Volunteers. Besides heroic soldiers and brave warriors, many, many other notable folks were born in Tennessee or made it their home. Want some names? OK...Elvis and B.B. King (and Lucille, of course) called the River City of Memphis home. We already know about Davy Crockett, but let's not forget "Old Hickory", Andrew Jackson, Daniel Boone or Sam Houston. Athletes? Sure...Peyton Manning, Reggie White, Ed "Too Tall" Jones, etc, etc, etc. Tennessee has produced Presidents (James K. Polk & Andrew Johnson) and Vice Presidents (Al Gore). Tennessee is an absolutely gorgeous state, divided geographically into three regions - East Tennessee, Middle Tennessee and West Tennessee. After reading the information about the Volunteer State at the links, plus knowing about some the historic Tennesseans (except Al Gore, of course), now you understand why I feel such kinship to Tennessee. Like I said earlier, easy call.