The State of Franklin Tennessee Becomes a State Famous People from Tennessee

The State of Franklin After the American Revolution settlers in the land that is now Tennessee needed a government. Some settlers wanted to form a state and join the United States. In 1784, a group of settlers met and formed a new state they called Franklin. It was named for Benjamin Franklin.

The State of Franklin The state of Franklin covered most of what is now East Tennessee. John Sevier was chosen to be its leader. The United States government did not want Franklin to be a state. Leaders thought this land should stay part of North Carolina.

Southwest Territory In 1790 the U.S. set up a new government for Tennessee replacing Franklin. Tennessee was made part of the Southwest Territory. William Blount became the governor of the Southwest Territory. Problems developed between the settlers and the Indians.

Southwest Territory

Tennessee Becomes a State In 1796 a meeting was held in Knoxville the capital of the Southwest Territory to discuss statehood. The United States government voted to make Tennessee a state in 1796. John Sevier was chosen as the states first governor.

Tennessee 1796

Famous People There are many people in the history of our nation that called Tennessee their home. A few were Presidents but there were many others who are just as important in the history of our state and our nation.

Andrew Jackson He was the first person from Tennessee to become President. He signed the Indian Removal Act in 1830. Remembered for the Trail of Tears.

Nancy Ward Nan’yehi was a Cherokee Indian. She was considered a peace maker in the Cherokee nation. As more settlers moved to Tennessee, she blended with the white world and was known as Nancy Ward.

Davy Crockett He was a hunter and soldier. He fought in many Indian battles. He served in the U.S. Congress. He was critical of Andrew Jackson. He died at the Alamo.

Sam Houston He ran away as a teenager to live with Cherokee Indians. With the help of Andrew Jackson, he became governor of Tennessee and resigned to return to live with the Cherokees. He was President of the Republic of Texas.

Sequoyah His father was a white fur trader and his mother was a Cherokee. He fought in the War of 1812. He developed an alphabet and written language for the Cherokee people.

James K. Polk He was the second man from the state of Tennessee to become President of the U.S. A war was fought with Mexico when he was President. He helped decide the border between the U.S. and Canada near Oregon Country. Young Hickory

John Sevier John Sevier was chosen as the leader of Franklin. He served as the first governor of Tennessee. Indians hated and feared John Sevier.