NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Tennessee is now officially the "Volunteer State."
Governor Bill Lee signed the bill Friday afternoon. State lawmakers approved the resolution Feb. 10 after receiving unanimous approval from the House and Senate the week before.
It’s official. #TheVolunteerState pic.twitter.com/PU6Cs2suQx
— Governor Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) February 21, 2020
Tennessee first became known as "The Volunteer State" during the War of 1812 due to its prominent role of sending 1,500 volunteer soldiers.
However, despite the popularity of the nickname, the resolution's sponsors say it was never officially adopted into Tennessee's statutes.
According to the secretary of state's website, the War of 1812 thrust Tennessee into the national spotlight by showcasing its "military and political prowess."
