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The Lost State of Franklin

Prior to Tennessee statehood, the east Tennessee region almost became the state of Franklin. After Jonesborough was founded in 1779, a group of citizens from this and the surrounding area (then a part of the Western District of North Carolina) felt they were not represented fairly nor protected by their state leaders. On December 14, 1784, delegates from these areas convened in Jonesborough to approve the formation of a new state, the state of Franklin, named after one of the great leaders of the American Revolution, Benjamin Franklin. This new state ensured citizens could create their own laws and elect their own leaders.

Jonesborough served as the capital of the State of Franklin until a new capital was established in nearby Greeneville. John Sevier, one of the most influential leaders in the development of Franklin, was elected its first governor in March, 1785. Franklin functioned as the nation’s fourteenth state until 1788, but was never recognized by Congress. After many negotiations and skirmishes, which climaxed in the Battle of the State of Franklin, North Carolina once again reclaimed the lands. Today, the State of Franklin is often remembered as the “Lost State of Franklin”.
 

Jonesborough - Tennessee’s First Town Jonesborough was founded in 1779 to be the county seat of Washington County, North Carolina. The town was named after Willie Jones, one of the few North Carolina legislatures who approved of the state’s westward movement. Although Jonesborough is named for him, it is thought that Mr. Jones never visited the town. Jonesborough had been established for fourteen years when Tennessee became the sixteenth state in 1796. Jonesborough has gone through many changes since 1779, but thanks to the restoration and preservation movement of the 1970’s, many of the older buildings are still standing today and are just as beautiful as ever. Jonesborough was the first town in Tennessee to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Jonesborough had a population of 5,138 in 2012 and the median annual household income was $43,970.  The median home value for Jonesborough was $144,897 in 2012.  It lies at an elevation of 1692 feet and covers 4.33 square miles.

 

Jonesborough is the home of the International Storytelling Center, opening in 2002, after being founded in 1975.  Jonesborough also operates a water park, Wetlands Water Park, provides the entire family a chance to participate together in safe and enjoyable aquatic experience.