Dewey Browder on the Tennessee State Hall of Fame as part of the essay series “The Road to 250: Community Spirit in Action,” celebrating the history of unity in Clarksville ahead of America’s 250th anniversary.

Tennessee has many heroes and several halls of fame that focus on specific fields of interest. Honorees are normally standouts in a given field. The Country Music Hall of Fame comes immediately to mind for many people. The Tennessee State Hall of Fame is, however, somewhat different.

The Tennessee State Hall of Fame does not restrict its honorees to any particular field of endeavor. Instead, it honors people, places, things and events that have brought fame and fortune to the state, whether in a wider field or alone. Indeed, it considers people in many fields. Our honorees are usually individuals and always unique.

The Tennessee State Hall of Fame recognizes meritorious men and women, displaying their names, likenesses and accomplishments in a dignified manner as accomplished individuals. This hall of fame also celebrates ideas, initiatives, movements and products that are identified with Tennessee.

Who is in Tennessee State Hall of Fame?

It offers a good understanding of the state’s role in history and a distinct appreciation for the men and women whose works and ideas combined to make Tennessee a great state. It offers anyone the opportunity to nominate new members.

It sets forth a history of the state from frontier days to the contemporary world with distinguished people including frontiersmen such as Davy Crockett, military men like Alvin York, athletes such as Wilma Rudolph, and world famous country singers as exemplified by Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton to name but a few. Political leaders are honored; Andrew Jackson and Al Gore Jr. are examples spanning the centuries. Whiskey, tobacco and cotton are cited as products that have brought fame to our state while gospel music, the Southern Renaissance and the Grand Ole Opry are offered as examples of our social and cultural values. The TVA and St .Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital testify to the world of our scientific prowess and our humanity.

The Tennessee State Hall of Fame, established in 2015, is new and small, but it will grow. The possible offerings and their interpretations are endless as we tell the world about Tennessee and all we have done and can do for the nation. The Tennessee State Hall of Fame is a virtual hall of fame, and that is an advantage inasmuch as it can be visited and appreciated by people around the globe at any time on any day of the year. Just google the Tennessee State Hall of Fame.

Dewey Browder

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