Gov. Lee Announces Year-Long America 250 Celebration Across Tennessee

Unveils “The Original Frontier” theme, kicks off 95-county tour with events honoring Tennessee Agriculture

NASHVILLE, TN - On July 1, 2025, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced a year-long, statewide America 250 celebration and unveiled a commemorative poster – titled “Tennessee: The Original Frontier” - that highlights the iconic people, places and events that define Tennessee’s contributions to America. The Governor will visit all 95 counties to mark this milestone with Tennesseans beginning on July 1, 2025, with a Farmland Preservation Tour across all Three Grand Divisions to honor Tennessee’s deep agricultural heritage.

“This week marks the beginning of a special time for our country and state as we approach the 250th anniversary of American independence,” said Gov. Lee. “One of Tennessee's greatest contributions to America’s success is the strength of our agricultural industry, and I’m proud to honor our rich heritage and commitment to ensuring family farms are preserved for future generations by signing the Farmland Preservation Act.”

Prints of the “Tennessee: The Original Frontier” commemorative poster will be available at America 250 events throughout the year. The poster was designed by renowned artist Justin Helton of Knoxville, who designed the posters for Tennessee’s 225th statehood celebration in 2021. 

The poster and official logo may be downloaded here.

Honoring Tennessee’s Agricultural Heritage

On July 1, 2025, Gov. Lee will visit each of Tennessee’s Grand Divisions to begin a yearlong 95-county tour. Honoring the State’s agricultural industry, the Governor will visit historic farms in Greene, Williamson, and Tipton counties for ceremonial signings of the Farmland Preservation Act, landmark legislation ensuring family farms can be preserved for future generations. The Act establishes a permanent conservation easement and creates a grant fund to support farmers who voluntarily choose to protect their farmland, and passed with broad bipartisan support.

“Agriculture is the foundation upon which our nation was built,” said Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. “It’s fitting that we visit Tennessee farms to celebrate America’s 250^th birthday, and the initiative to preserve our state’s agricultural land for generations to come.”

“What better way to kick off the celebration of our nation turning 250 years old than by signing the Farmland Preservation Act in all three grand divisions of the Volunteer State,” said Tennessee Farm Bureau President Eric Mayberry. “We are confident this legislation will help preserve agriculture and forestland in Tennessee, and we look forward to this event culminating our multi-year effort alongside Gov. Lee to protect Tennessee’s number one industry and our nation’s most important industry for generations to come.”

Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial

Additional events will be announced as they are scheduled. Tennesseans are invited to sign up for the Tennessee State Museum’s Voices and Volunteers newsletter to learn more about upcoming events across the state and may recommend historic site visits and share their personal story at www.TN250.com.

The Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial is offering grant opportunities for organizations and communities centered around Tennessee’s unique stories, including project support grants and community support grants. Facilitated by the Tennessee State Museum, funding will be awarded to applicants who propose projects that support the mission of Tennessee’s America 250 Celebration by highlighting Tennesseans and events that have shaped American democracy from the Revolutionary era to the present. More information regarding eligibility and application deadlines may be found here.