The short-lived State of Franklin and how it reshaped Tennessee
In the early days following the American Revolution, a handful of counties that had belonged to North Carolina petitioned the U.S. Government to become the 14th state, eventually seceding from the United States. The State of Franklin is an odd and strangely impactful episode of North Carolina, Tennessee and U.S. history, led by men who would later be among Tennessee’s founders.
IN THIS ARTICLE
The history of the State of Franklin
Our story starts after the American Revolution. North Carolina ceded control of lands between the mountains and the Mississippi River to Congress. The idea was that the land sale would pay off war debt. This left the settlers of what was known as the Cumberland River Valley area – who had formed their own government from 1772 to 1777 – concerned. The new legislature and legal obstacles to using the land for its intended purpose led North Carolina officials to retract the cession. As a result, a new administration and government for the territory was built.
However, even as North Carolina moved to establish political control, representatives of the region seceded from North Carolina. They declared their independence from the state and moved quickly to petition Congress to become the 14th state. Future Tennessee Gov. John Sevier was elected governor somewhat reluctantly. A Constitutional Convention was held. But the document drafted included a ban on lawyers, doctors or preachers running for election to the legislature and it failed to gain enough votes. They continued to operate under the North Carolina constitution.
Who supported the State of Franklin?
The names supporting Franklin include William Cocke, Davy Crockett, John Sevier, Samuel Wear and Gen. James White – Knoxville’s founder. The effort also drew support from seven states, incuding Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Georgia. But nine states were required. Therefore, in an attempt to garner more support, Sevier petitioned Benjamin Franklin. Franklin – claiming he didn’t know enough about the efforts – declined to give his support.
North Carolina – trying to get things back under control – set up a government structure, but Sevier and friends changed tactics. No longer seeking statehood, they began operating as an independent republic with a capital in Greeneville. The State of Franklin adopted a new constitution, annexed more land and began taxing policies based on its barter economy. By 1886, Franklin was failing. North Carolina’s control was gaining support and the North Carolina-backed government infrastructure was surpassing the Frankin government infrastructure.
All of the posturing came to a head as Franklin’s expansion into native lands was exacerbating the Cherokee-American wars and losing more support, leading to the Battle of Franklin. Col. John Tipton led North Carolina troops to Sevier’s home in pursuit of claiming taxes. Tipton seized several slaves. Sevier countered, leading a force of 100 men to Tipton’s home. Tipton was reinforced with 100 men of his own. The two sides skirmished for 10 minutes or so, wounding several men with three fatalities.
The state of Franklin dissolved in 1789. But a separate movement, known as Lesser Franklin, lingered. The Lesser Franklin government finally failed for good in 1791. At that time, they sought North Carolina’s protection from the native populations fighting to take their land back.
The counties involved
The original four North Carolina counties were Washington, Sullivan, Spencer (now Hawkins) and Greene counties. Modern-day Carter County was part of Washington County back then as well. As Franklin claimed more land, modern counties involved would be Unicoi, Cocke, Jefferson, Hamblen, Sevier and Blount. This was essentially most, if not all, of upper East Tennessee.
How it shaped Tennessee today
You don’t have to look far past the county names to see the people involved were among the most prominent in the region’s history. Future Tennessee Gov. William Blount was among those who opposed the Franklin efforts and helped put the final nail in the coffin. Had the leaders of the state of Franklin simply accepted being taken back into North Carolina, today’s map of the United States might look very different. Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Maryville, maybe even Johnson City and Bristol would be part of North Carolina. If nothing else, the Tennessee and North Carolina economies would be very different today.
Are you planning a trip to the Smoky Mountains soon? Make sure to check out our coupons page before your trip!
Have a question or comment about something in this article? Contact our staff here. You may also contact our editorial team at info@thesmokies.com.