The territory of Tennessee originally consisted of six counties:
Washington
Sullivan
Greene
Davidson
Sumner
Tennessee (later Montgomery & Robertson
CONSIDER...
Consider...
Students should consider this topic because for some is the place where they live; but for some it is just an amazing piece of American history that has so much meaning to the American people especially Tennesseans.
From Territory to State
From Territory to Statehood
In 1795 Governor Blount called for a constitutional convention in Knoxville to begin the process of joining the Union.
The delegates selected John Sevier as governor, William Blount and William Cocke as senators, and Andrew Jackson as representative.
Tennessee was the first Federal territory to apply for statehood to Congress. After a close vote on June 1, 1796, Tennessee became the 16th state of the Union.
On the way to the Union
But Before...
In 1789 North Carolina ratified the United States Constitution and ceded its Tennessee lands to the Federal government.
This area was now designated as the “Territory of the United States, South of the River Ohio,” more commonly known as the “Southwest Territory.”
The United States created three districts in the area: two for East Tennessee and the Metro District on the Cumberland. Each district had courts, militia, and office holders.
William Blount governed the territory following his appointment by George Washington.
Early governance of the territory focused on treaty-making and securing settlers from Indian attacks while raising land values and encouraging settlement.
Between 1792 and 1794, warfare with Native tribes increased until strikes led by James Robertson and John Sevier eliminated the threat of Native raids against the East Tennessee and Cumberland settlements.
The Volunteer State
The Volunteer State
Tennessee earned the nickname after the state’s overwhelming involvement in the War of 1812.
A little over 15 years after gaining statehood, patriotic Tennesseans were eager to participate in the war effort.
With General Andrew Jackson – a fellow Tennessean – leading the charge, over 1,500 soldiers stepped up to the plate.
But wait...
The Volunteers did not stop there, though. The nickname became even more applicable after the Mexican-American War in 1846 after the Secretary of War asked the state for 2,800 soldiers.
Tennessee sent over 30,000.
TN's Legacy
Tennessee's American Legacy
Tennessee had major influences in huge wars like the War of 1812 and the Mexican- American War. They provided huge factors that led the United States victory.
Also many important people in American history like Andrew Jackson and James K. Polk are Tennesseans so that is also part of Tennessee's legacy.
Modern Tennessee
21st Century Tennessee
Today Tennessee is a very beautiful state that is wonderful to live in.
It includes awesome places for tourists to visit with beautiful mountain views, waterfalls, and many more natural sites.
Also cities like Nashville have the awesome culture of classic music and is home of many music legends.