Final answer:
The state containing Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Murfreesboro, which are known for their universities and Civil War history, is Tennessee.
Step-by-step explanation:
The state that contains Knoxville, the location of the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, and Murfreesboro is Tennessee. Knoxville is known for being a cultural hub and home to the University of Tennessee. Chattanooga has historical significance; during the Civil War, it was the site of the 1863 Battle of Chattanooga, a crucial Union victory. Murfreesboro, another city in Tennessee, is noted for its American Civil War history and the Stones River National Battlefield.