The History Of This Long-Lost State In Tennessee Will Truly Amaze You
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Meghan Kraft
Author
Tennessee is full of history, from the early adventurous settlers to the modern-day history that is made every day on Music Row in downtown Nashville. While many Tennesseans know the history of the state, not many know that there was once another, independent state that formed in the hills of East Tennessee. While it was short-lived, the State of Franklin had a fascinating existence, and you can still visit some of its landmarks today.
Not many people know this, but for nearly five years in the late 1780s, there was an autonomous state in modern-day Tennessee named The State of Franklin.
The state was originally set apart by North Carolina as a cession to Congress, which intended to make Franklin the 14th state. However, the state was never admitted into the Union, so it seceded and was independent for its short existence.
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Famous Tennessean John Sevier served as the President of Franklin for four years, but after his term, the state decided to rejoin North Carolina.
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Today, you can visit some of the historic monuments to this strange period of Tennessee history. There's a replica of the original Franklin capitol building in Greeneville that you can visit.
The Chester Inn in Jonesborough, though it was built just shortly after Franklin rejoined North Carolina, is a great example of the architecture of the most opulent buildings of the time.
The Christopher Taylor House in downtown Jonesborough is also a testament to Franklin history. Not only was this house actually around during the state's existence, but President Andrew Jackson also lived in this house the same year that Franklin rejoined North Carolina.
To visit all of the historic sites today, head over to East Tennessee, specifically the towns of Jonesborough and Greeneville (both served as capital of Franklin at different points), and enjoy all that the area has to offer.
Swing over to the west part of the state to find this unassuming restaurant where you can order a 12-pound burger.
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