Franklin - America's State that Existed Then Disappeared After 4 Years!

Did you know that there was a state that lasted for only 4 years? That's right America had another state that most people didn't even know existed. If you are a historian or genealogist then you have heard of this state but other wise people had no reason to even consider states that might have existed then disappeared. The name of the state was Franklin!

After the War of Independence the colonies had to pay for the war plus develop a sound financial policy. North Carolina was short on cash and had problems taxing their population, they ceded, gave up the western portion of their state to the federal coffers.

The citizens saw benefits of an independent state concerning taxation, representation, and understand the local problems. The North Carolina counties of Sullivan, Washington, Greene, and Davidson accepted North Carolina's offer of their western portion of the state to federal territory.

The geographical area centered around the Holston and Clinch Rivers, which is located in the Cumberland and Appalachian mountains. Only the rugged frontiers man lived in this mountain territory before, during, and after the War of Independence. The towns that were included in the State of Franklin were Knoxville, Bristol, and Greenville, Tennessee. This area was considered the gateway to the western territory.

A group of delegates held a meeting on August 23, 1784, after a long and drawn out debate the western counties that were originally part of North Carolina were independent by a unanimous vote.

Naming of the state was discussed and Frankland was proposed since the translation was considered "the Land of the Free," however, Franklin was the name that won. Many think Franklin was chosen as a favor from Benjamin Franklin, we will never know!

The Governor elect was John Sevier and his salary was set at two hundred pounds per annum, supreme judges received one hundred and fifty pounds per annum.

A new constitution was created with some interesting rules were set forward like prices for goods that were traded and standards set for office holders. No office holder could be a person "if he were immoral, a Sabbath breaker, a clergyman, a doctor or a lawyer."

John Sevier approached by letter to Benjamin Franklin for help and in return received this letter,

" I am sensible of the honor which your Excellencey and your council do me. But being in Europe when your State was formed I am too little acquainted with the circumstances to be able to offer you anything you now that may be of importance, since everything material that regards your welfare will doubtless have occurred to yourselves."

"I will endeavor to inform myself more perfectly of your affairs by inquiry and searching the records of Congress and if anything should occur to me that I think may be useful to you, you shall hear from me thereupon."

So Benjamin Franklin wasn't supportive of his namesake!

At the time that North Carolina gave up their western portion before Congress accepted the offer North Carolina withdrew but the people proceeded. John Tipton was against the separation of the western portion of land so North Carolina tried to stop the cession and plans of the people to form Franklin. North Carolina had no intention of giving this territory to the federal coffers in the first place.

John Tipton, living within Franklin, was to seize the property, by a court order, of Governor John Sevier of Franklin and all his slaves. Sevier and a small army of one hundred and fifty men marched on John Tipton's estate to get back his property and probably Tipton himself. There was a short lasting siege; with Tipton's forces and the help of Col. George Maxwell's forces, Sevier's men defeated along with the capture of several individuals including two of Sevier's sons.

Meanwhile Sevier went on raiding Indian settlements all across the western territory of now Tennessee. Upon his return he was captured by Tipton's men and held for trial. He made his escape during his trial by a second story window where a horse was waiting.

In 1788, North Carolina regained control of the State of Franklin by pardoning its leaders. Sevier was elected Senator in North Carolina.

In 1789, North Carolina again gave away the western portion of their state and Franklin to become part of Eastern Tennessee in 1796. The new governor of the state of Tennessee was John Sevier!