Kennessee

On June 1 in 1792 and 1796 respectively, Kentucky and Tennessee became the 14th and 15th state to be admitted to the Union. I have been to both Kentucky and Tennessee and therefore, in my mind, I am an expert on the subject(s). I would like to share some valuable information with you.

On paper, they pretty much look the same. They are both short and wide, or in Politically Correct phraseology, height challenged. Neither should wear horizontal stripes. It would be a major fashion faux pas. Kentucky’s capital is Frankfort, while Tennessee’s capitol is Nashville. Nine letters in both of the cities names. Kentucky’s nickname is ‘The Bluegrass State’. Tennessee’s nickname is ‘The Volunteer State’. Seventeen letters in both of the state’s nicknames. I’m sure you’re seeing the eerie common denominators. Not to freak you out, but they both have a state bird.

I hear you, I hear you. They are one state. Let’s just call them Tenntucky and be done with it.

You are sadly mistaken.

These two states couldn’t be more different if they tried.

Kentucky’s iconic city is Louisville; Tennessee’s is Memphis. No similarity. Kentucky has a county named McCracken. No county by that great name in Tennessee. Kentucky’s name makes sense when you realize the state was branded after Barbie’s boyfriend, Ken Tucker. Tennessee’s name makes no sense at all. Tennessee Williams: Kentucky Hmm Can’t Think of No One. The list goes on and on.

And what would we do with the extra star on the flag?