| Home |
| Archives |
| Subscribe |
| About Us |
| Contact Us |
| Links |
| Submissions |
| Our Founding Documents |
|
Declaration of Independence |
| Constitution |
| Bill of Rights |
| Amendments |
| Federalist Papers |
 |
The Lost American StateAn Unknown Chapter in America’s HistoryAugust 27, 2018 I once pastored a church in Western North Carolina. But I never knew that on August 23, 1784, several counties in Western North Carolina had declared their independence to become the State of Franklin. Though part of North Carolina at the time, the counties were in an area that would one day be part of Tennessee. This collection of frontiersmen came very close to becoming the 14th US state. Fearful that the new U.S. government would sell their territory to pay its mounting war debt, the counties of Washington, Sullivan, Greene, and Spencer (today named Hawkins) declared their independence from North Carolina. Over time, four more North Carolina counties joined them. On May 16, 1785, they formally requested statehood from the Continental Congress in the name Frankland. In a PR move to gain Benjamin Franklin’s support, Frankland changed its name to Franklin - but to no avail. Franklin wrote that he had been in Europe when the secession took place and was not familiar enough with the circumstances to offer his assistance. A majority of the states of the Union voted to grant the petition - but not the two-thirds majority needed to pass. Having been denied statehood, Franklin ignored Congress and operated as an independent republic for four years. It elected revolutionary war hero John Sevier (after whom Sevierville, TN is named) as its Governor. It had its own constitution, Indian treaties, and financial system. But in 1778, when three different Indian tribes began attacking its citizens and towns, Franklin wasted no time in rejoining North Carolina for protection. When the counties of the former republic later became part of Tennessee, Franklin Governor Sevier became the first Governor of Tennessee. Although this interesting state only existed for four years, it left a lasting legacy. Not surprisingly, the Northeastern elites were already at work even in those early days of our nation. Up until the rebellion of Franklin, the original 13 states had largely ignored the needs of the Western territories. Many assumed that these areas would be controlled by the Union, but would never be part of it. The State of Franklin made the political elites of the day realize that they would ignore the West at their peril. Franklin paved the way for many other states to join the previously exclusive USA.
| ||||
 Dr. Tom Barrett is a pastor, teacher, author, conference keynote speaker, professor, certified executive coach, and marketplace minister. His teaching and coaching have blessed both church and business leaders. He has been ordained for over 40 years, and has pastored in seven churches over that time. Today he “pastors pastors” as he oversees ordained and licensed ministers in Florida for his ministerial fellowship.He has written thousands of articles that have been republished in national newspapers and on hundreds of websites, and is a frequent guest on radio and television shows. His weekly Conservative Truth article (which is read by 250,000) offers a unique viewpoint on social, moral and political issues from a Biblical worldview. This has resulted in invitations to speak internationally at churches, conferences, Money Shows, universities, and on TV (including the 700 Club). “Dr. Tom,” as his readers and followers affectionately refer to him, has a passion for teaching, as you can see from his ministry website (www.ChristianFinancialConcepts.com); his patriotic site (www.ConservativeTruth.org); and his business site (www.GoldenArtTreasures.com). Tom's friend Dr. Lance Wallnau wrote of him, "Tom Barrett is a Renaissance man with a passion for subject matter ranging from finance to theology and American history." Visit Dr. Tom Barrett's website at www.DrTom.TV
|