Tennessee became the Volunteers as a result of President James Madison calling on people from Tennessee to defend the lower country during the war of 1812.
It was asked that 1,500 troops be sent to help defend the lower Mississippi region from Great Britain.
Andrew Jackson would lead the troops from Tennessee into battle and the Volunteerrs became famous for defending New Orleans in 1814-15. The victory even propelled Andrew Jackson into the White House in 1828.
President James K. Polk also called upon volunteers to help fight in the Mexican-American War.