Free Vector map of the state of Tennessee, USA, main roads with numbers, colored counties with names.
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Free Vector map of the state of Tennessee, USA, main roads with numbers, colored counties with names.

Free Vector map of the state of Tennessee, USA, main roads with numbers, colored counties with names.
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See also: detailed vector map of the state of Tennessee

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Free Vector map of the state of Tennessee, USA, main roads with numbers, colored counties with names.

Free Vector map of the state of Tennessee, USA, main roads with numbers, colored counties with names.

Tennessee, located in the southeastern United States, is a landlocked state known for its diverse geography, rich cultural history, and economic significance. The state spans from the Appalachian Mountains in the east to the Mississippi River in the west, offering a variety of landscapes and ecosystems. Below is a detailed geographic description of Tennessee:

General Location

  • Region: Southeastern United States.
  • Coordinates: Approximately 36°N latitude and 86°W longitude.
  • Borders:
    • North: Kentucky and Virginia.
    • East: North Carolina.
    • South: Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi.
    • West: Arkansas and Missouri (separated by the Mississippi River).

Size and Area

  • Total Area: 42,143 square miles (36th largest U.S. state).
  • Land Area: 41,235 square miles.
  • Water Area: 909 square miles.
  • Population: Approximately 7 million (as of 2023).

Major Geographic Features

1. Physiographic Regions

Tennessee is divided into three distinct Grand Divisions, each with unique physical and cultural characteristics:

  1. East Tennessee:
    • Dominated by the Blue Ridge Mountains and Appalachian Ridge and Valley regions.
    • Home to the Great Smoky Mountains, part of the Appalachian range, with Clingmans Dome (6,643 feet) as the highest point in the state.
    • Includes deep river valleys and fertile lands along the Tennessee River.
  2. Middle Tennessee:
    • Characterized by rolling hills, plateaus, and fertile basins.
    • Includes the Nashville Basin, a lowland area surrounded by the Highland Rim.
    • Rich in limestone and karst formations, with numerous caves and springs.
  3. West Tennessee:
    • Predominantly flat terrain, part of the Mississippi Alluvial Plain.
    • Features fertile agricultural lands and wetlands.
    • Bordered by the Mississippi River on the western edge.

2. Major Rivers

  • Tennessee River:
    • The largest river in the state, flowing in a U-shape through eastern and western Tennessee.
  • Mississippi River:
    • Forms the western border of the state, a critical waterway for commerce and agriculture.
  • Cumberland River:
    • Flows through Nashville and contributes to the area’s economy and recreation.
  • Duck River:
    • One of the most biologically diverse rivers in North America, located in Middle Tennessee.

3. Lakes and Reservoirs

  • Kentucky Lake:
    • Created by the Tennessee River and one of the largest man-made lakes in the U.S.
  • Norris Lake:
    • Formed by the Norris Dam on the Clinch River in East Tennessee.
  • Pickwick Lake:
    • Located in West Tennessee, popular for fishing and boating.
  • Dale Hollow Lake:
    • Straddles the Tennessee-Kentucky border and is renowned for clear waters.

4. Mountains and Ridges

  • Great Smoky Mountains:
    • A UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
  • Cumberland Plateau:
    • A rugged region separating East and Middle Tennessee.
  • Unaka Range:
    • Part of the Appalachian system, featuring dense forests and scenic vistas.

5. Valleys and Basins

  • Tennessee Valley:
    • A broad valley following the Tennessee River, vital for agriculture and industry.
  • Nashville Basin:
    • Known for its fertile soil, supporting a variety of crops and livestock.

Climate

  • Type: Humid subtropical, with significant variation due to elevation.
  • Seasons:
    • Winters: Mild in the west, cooler in the east with occasional snowfall in the mountains.
    • Summers: Hot and humid, especially in the central and western regions.
    • Spring/Fall: Mild with vibrant foliage in autumn and blooming flora in spring.
  • Precipitation:
    • Averages 40–60 inches annually, with the highest amounts in the east.
  • Snowfall:
    • Limited in most areas but significant in higher elevations.

Natural Resources

  1. Forests:
    • Covers approximately 50% of the state, including oak, hickory, and pine.
  2. Minerals:
    • Rich in coal, limestone, zinc, and phosphate.
  3. Agriculture:
    • Known for cotton, soybeans, corn, and livestock.

Major Urban Areas

  1. Nashville:
    • The state capital and cultural hub, known as the “Music City.”
    • Located in Middle Tennessee, along the Cumberland River.
  2. Memphis:
    • Located in West Tennessee on the Mississippi River.
    • Known for blues music, barbecue, and the historic Beale Street.
  3. Knoxville:
    • A gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains in East Tennessee.
  4. Chattanooga:
    • Situated along the Tennessee River, known for scenic beauty and industry.
  5. Clarksville:
    • A growing city in Middle Tennessee near the Kentucky border.

Transportation Geography

  1. Highways:
    • Interstate 40: Crosses the state east-west, connecting Memphis, Nashville, and Knoxville.
    • Interstate 24: Links Nashville to Chattanooga.
    • Interstate 75: Runs north-south through East Tennessee.
  2. Rail:
    • Extensive freight rail system, particularly around Memphis, a major transportation hub.
    • Amtrak’s City of New Orleans serves Memphis.
  3. Airports:
    • Major hubs include Nashville International Airport (BNA) and Memphis International Airport (MEM).
  4. Waterways:
    • Mississippi River and Tennessee River are vital for commerce and recreation.

Recreational and Cultural Attractions

  1. National Parks:
    • Great Smoky Mountains National Park: The most visited national park in the U.S.
  2. State Parks:
    • Over 50 state parks offering hiking, camping, and historical exploration.
  3. Music and Festivals:
    • Graceland in Memphis (Elvis Presley’s home).
    • Country Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.
    • Bonnaroo Music Festival in Middle Tennessee.
  4. Historical Sites:
    • Civil War battlefields like Shiloh and Stones River.
    • Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage near Nashville.

Natural Hazards

  • Tornadoes: Common in western and central Tennessee, especially during spring.
  • Flooding: Particularly along the Mississippi and Tennessee Rivers.
  • Earthquakes: West Tennessee lies near the New Madrid Seismic Zone.
  • Winter Storms: Rare but impactful in higher elevations and northern areas.

Historical Context

  • Originally inhabited by Indigenous peoples, including the Cherokee and Chickasaw.
  • Became the 16th state in 1796.
  • Played a significant role in the Civil War and post-war reconstruction.
Author: Kirill Shrayber, Ph.D.

I have been working with vector cartography for over 25 years, including GPS, GIS, Adobe Illustrator and other professional cartographic software.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirill-shrayber-0b839325/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/vectormapper

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