Statehood for Tennessee
Wednesday, August 5th, 2026 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Statehood for Tennessee
By Bo Carey
Last month we celebrated 250 years of American Independence, a most significant milestone. Few may know that it’s been 230 years since Tennessee earned the status of full statehood, dating back to 1796. The people and places which shape our state are indeed unique and significant, starting with Native American cultures predating colonial days, followed by waves of settlers and dreamers with the rugged spirit which characterizes the state today.
At the onset of our country, we were a part of the state of North Carolina. The independent thinking pioneers in East Tennessee were generally not pleased to live under North Carolina’s laws and oversight. By 1785 they attempted to establish self-government and created the State of Franklin. It was a noble experiment but only lasted for three years. When the vast Southwest Territory was created, the lands which now comprise Tennessee were included. William Blount, from right here in our backyard, was named territorial governor, and his leadership paved the way for Tennessee’s independence. Finally on June 1st, 1796 Tennessee became the 16th state in the union, less than 20 years after the onset of the American Revolution.
The people of our state refuse to be labeled due to our region. Tennessee was the last southern state to secede from the union and the first to be readmitted. East Tennesseans voted 2 to 1 against secession. As we here in the east boast the Great Smoky Mountains, we cannot be viewed as a mountain state, with the deltas of West Tennessee and broad lakes in between looking anything but mountainous. Although Nashville is known as Music City USA, that only goes back to its birthplace for country music. Memphis can stand toe to toe with any other city, including New Orleans, due to its blues influence on Beale Street along with a favorite son named Elvis.
At the onset of the War of 1812, Tennessee sent so many men to fight for the United States that we far, far exceeded the amount requested by the government. This same desire to risk lives while defending our country happened again in the Mexican American War a few years later, and we have been known as the Volunteer State ever since. Leading up to the latter conflict, Tennessee natives Sam Houston and Davy Crockett made historic names for themselves which today are celebrated more in Texas than they are here.
Today the state finds itself subject to a massive influx of new residents, with heavy migration coming from California, New York, and the Chicago suburbs. A first reaction would be to resist what changes this might bring to our way of life…. to the traditions of faith, hard work and individualism which have been our core strengths. My observations suggest those fleeing these other states are in line with our culture and wish to support our way of life rather than change it. They like lower taxes, less government oversight and our laid-back way of life. For those who condemn our state, wishing for something more like the big northeast or west coast urban centers, the easy test remains: How many people do you know who are anxious to move OUT of Tennessee? There just aren’t many “volunteers.”
Bo Carey is a 6th generation Loudon County resident with a passion for local history. He is the owner of Greer’s Home Furnishings in Historic Loudon and is available for lectures or programs for any area group or civic club.
Call (865) 659-2300.
bocarey95@gmail.com | office 865-458-2046
