Grand Divisions of Tennessee
The Grand Divisions are three regions in the U.S. state of Tennessee. Each contains about one-third of the state's land area. Each is geographically, culturally, legally, and economically distinct. The Grand Divisions are legally recognized in the state constitution and state law and are represented on the Flag of Tennessee by the flag's three prominent stars.[1]
Borders
change
The border between East Tennessee and Middle Tennessee is on the Cumberland Plateau. It was a major barrier to travel during much of the state's early history. It is close to the line between the Eastern and Central time zones.[2] All but three counties of East Tennessee (Bledsoe, Cumberland, and Marion) are in the Eastern Time Zone. Middle and West Tennessee are entirely in the Central Time Zone. The reach of the Tennessee River that flows northward to Kentucky from Mississippi and Alabama marks the border between Middle and West Tennessee starting from the northern border of Hardin County. It is split down the middle by the Tennessee River but is located wholly in West Tennessee.
Population
change| Grand Division | Population[3] (2020 census) |
Largest city | Area in mi2 (km2) | Counties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Tennessee | 2,470,105 | Knoxville | 13,558 square miles (35,120 km2) | 33 |
| Middle Tennessee | 2,883,086 | Nashville | 17,009 square miles (44,050 km2) | 41 |
| West Tennessee | 1,557,649 | Memphis | 10,650 square miles (27,600 km2) | 21 |
| State of Tennessee | 6,910,840 | Nashville | 41,217 (106,751) | 95 (list) |
References
change- ↑ Tennessee Department of State. "Tennessee Symbols and Honors" (PDF). Tennessee Blue Book, 2005–2006. p. 516.
- ↑ Astor, Aaron (2015). The Civil War Along Tennessee's Cumberland Plateau. Charleston, South Carolina: The History Press. p. 11. ISBN 978-1-62619-404-5. LCCN 2015932376. Retrieved May 31, 2021.
- ↑ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. 2010. Retrieved 2019-12-29.