Few People Know The Real Reason Why There Are So Many References To Franklin In Tennessee
By Chris Dodge|Published May 17, 2023
×
Chris Dodge
Author
My name is Chris Dodge and I live right here in the great state of Tennessee. My family and I are full adventurers filled with passion to see the amazing things our state has to offer. We are avid hikers and have explored many different places in Tennessee and beyond but we are always thankful to be living in such a glorious state.
Have you ever traveled around East Tennessee, only to be greeted by hundreds of references to the State of Franklin? Street signs, businesses, and historical plaques all point to the existence of a lost state… but where did it go? The early history of our state was filled with lots of ups and downs, all which led to the establishment of the state we all love and adore today. So if you have ever wondered Why are there these strange references to Franklin in Tennessee? — allow us to tell you the story of this lost state.
Signs like this can be found all over East Tennessee, and if you don’t stop to read, or put all the pieces together you might not know about the early history of our state.
It all started in North Carolina. The land that would later become Tennessee, was once owned by our eastern neighbors. As brave explorers took to the mountains and began to settle west, trials and tribulations were simply part of life as a pioneer. Being far away from everyone else in the country, the people working on settling new land felt forgotten and left out. The idea of a United States was not being fulfilled for these early pioneers. So fresh off the heels of the American Revolution, many of the people in East Tennessee wanted a taste of that same united freedom. Not being heard, they decided to break away from North Carolina.
They named their newly founded land the State of Franklin, in honor of our forefather Benjamin Franklin.
The infancy of America was in continued flux as the men picked up the pieces from a ravenous war and started fresh with new ideas. Victory was in the air and newfound freedom was being formed. The constitution wasn’t even completed at this time so there were still lots of changes taking place.
Advertisement
As ink was being put to parchment and the governing rules were being created in Philadelphia, new things were happening in the newly founded, yet not recognized, State of Franklin. As you can see from this map, several early counties were involved in this new property.
The capital of the state of Franklin was located in the earliest-founded city, Jonesborough. This historic town is filled with life today and they continue with the same pioneering spirit that once kickstarted this vibrant land.
Later state business was conducted in Greeneville. There is a reconstructed cabin that was built as a replica of the capitol building. This structure stands to this day but the state in which it served has since been lost.
The new sense of freedom was only short-lived because this wild ride lasted only about four and a half years. The greater American government never recognized the State of Franklin but granted the land as a territory that eventually became Tennessee. Papers were signed and documents were created finalizing this chapter in our history.
The State of Franklin may be lost but the history is still very alive and well in East Tennessee. That same sense of exploration and a deep sense of freedom can be found in the people of this land. We are a people who highly value the American way and are proud to be a part of the story of this great nation. We know what we want and we are willing to stand for that freedom when need be, so that is the story of our lost state, but the spirit is very much alive and well in us all.
Want to learn more about the historical importance of Jonesborough or Greeneville? You can visit those places yourself and check out the museums and walk downtown in these charming towns.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
