In 1809, Lewis left the Mississippi River at Chickasaw Bluffs in Memphis, Tennessee, for for Washington, D.C., to clear his name concerning public debts. Lewis suffered a mysterious death on October 11 in Hohenwald, Tennessee. Many believe Lewis took his own life while others believe he was murdered. The famous "Russell Statement" was created by General Marshall in 1811. Donald Jackson published "Letters of the Lewis and Clark Expedition" in 1962, supporting the suicide theory. New evidence of Lewis's death has surfaced since 1962 and has appeared on the History Channel. In the classroom, integrate the literature with the History Channel's video, presenting the importance of literature being truthful of people's lives.
"Flags of Tennessee," written by Devereaux Cannon Jr., covers exciting information about the flags throughout the history of Tennessee in a literature-based format. Battle flags, county flags and city flags are discussed and illustrated, and the book includes a brief look at Tennessee geography. "Flags of Tennessee" generates excitement for flags, namely the Tennessee and the American flags. Teachers can connect through this literature-based lesson plan, the importance of flags and how they have had important presences throughout history in literature. After reading the book, instruct students to gather in groups to design flags on poster board.
"Good Night Tennessee," from the "Good Night Our World" board series of books and written by Adam Gamble and illustrated by Joe Veno, is a colorful and entertaining book for younger classrooms. As you progress through your Tennessee unit, use this book for a mid-day story time. Students will become familiar with people, places, sights and sounds of Tennessee, such as Davy Crocket, bluegrass music and the Great Smoky Mountains. Instruct students to discuss and color other items seen within the book, such as bird breeds, stars and musical instruments that aren't seen as often in other states.
Poetry has an important place within a Tennessee literature unit, especially during February, which is Black History Month. "The Autobiography of an Ex-Coloured Man" (1912) and "Lift Every Voice and Sing" (1899), written by James Weldon Johnson, became a type of national anthem for all African Americans. Ishmael Reed, a poet from Chattanooga, wrote "Chattanooga: Poems" (1973). "Home Works" (1996) is a must-read for a Tennessee language arts or literature lesson that testifies to Tennessee's growing literature.