NASHVILLE, Tenn.- A new exhibit opened at the Tennessee State Museum on Thursday and it's all about a war that defined America and the state of Tennessee.
It was the War of 1812 that made Tennessee the Volunteer state. Museum officials said that it created heroes like Sam Houston and Andrew Jackson.
"Had it not been for these men the western frontier would have perhaps never expanded to the pacific and it really created the beginning of manifest destiny--that America would go from sea to shining sea and we would become a great nation among nations," said Lois Riggens-Ezell with the Tennessee State Museum.
All of that rich history and many rarely seen, pristine artifacts are now on display for the public to enjoy.
This year marks the 200th Anniversary of the war of 1812.
The exhibit will remain throughput this summer. After that, some pieces will be added to the museum's permanent collection.
