State of Franklin

The State of Franklin was an early attempt (1784-1789) by settlers in what is now eastern Tennessee to establish their own independent state, separate from North Carolina and later the new United States. The settlers felt underrepresented and overlooked in government decisions. They briefly formed their own government and even sought recognition from Congress, but lacked enough support and resources. Eventually, their territory rejoined North Carolina, which ceded it to the U.S., and the attempt to create Franklin was abandoned. Today, the "State of Franklin" remains a historical curiosity and symbolizes early American frontier ambitions.