THE
BACKSTORY
Understanding how we became who we are.
Tennessee’s rich history informs how we’ve become who we are. Complex characters, conflicts, innovations — they are all part of our story.
In honor of the state’s 230th birthday (and America’s 250th), WPLN is rolling out “The Backstory” to connect the dots between stories of the past and our present day.
Credits
Host: Nina Cardona
Producer: Alexis Marshall
Editor: Tony Gonzalez
This project is funded under an agreement with the State of Tennessee administered by the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial.
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5 times Tennessee influenced the USA as it celebrates 250 years
From constitutional amendments to airport security, see how Tennessee history has shaped the nation as we know it.
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Tennessee’s Congressional maps keep on changing (except for when they didn’t)
How long have Tennessee’s political maps been gerrymandered?
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Redistricting the site of the Memphis Massacre
How did a vicious attack on Black people in Tennessee relate to landmark constitutional protections?
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How a hijacking threat to Oak Ridge changed airport security forever
What role did Tennessee play in the advent of airport security?
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Sam Houston’s rowdy reputation before Texas
Was Sam Houston the most temperamental early Tennessee leader? Plus, the local news for September 5, 2025.
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Founding father William Blount gets busted for treason
How did a founder of Tennessee make history as the first U.S. Senator expelled from office? Plus, the local news for July 8, 2025.
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Remembering the Trail of Tears
Why is there so little to remind us of the way Native nations were displaced via Tennessee routes?
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When John Sevier and Andrew Jackson (almost) dueled
What happened when Sevier and Jackson met to duel? Plus, the local news for February 25, 2025.
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The Confederate ghost who won’t stop haunting Middle Tennessee
When will we be honest about what monuments to Nathan Bedford Forrest are honoring? Plus the local news for August 28, 2024.
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When Tennessee was the test case for a divided nation
Why was Tennessee once the prime example of how the United States should (or shouldn’t) handle a major issue?
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From anxiety to embrace, Fort Campbell’s changing relationship with Clarksville
What does Fort Campbell mean for life in Clarksville?
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Remembering Where Civil Rights leaders left their mark on Nashville
What are we doing to keep the connections to Nashville’s civil rights past alive?
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