How Tennessee Became a State

Tennessee has a long and storied history, from its early days as part of the Cherokee Nation to its current status as a state in the United States.

Pre-State History

Native American tribes in Tennessee

Prior to the arrival of Europeans, Tennessee was home to a variety of Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Creek. These tribes had been living in the area for centuries, and had developed their own distinct cultures and traditions. The Cherokee, in particular, had a strong presence in the area, with their territory stretching from the Appalachian Mountains to the Mississippi River. They were known for their strong agricultural practices, and had a complex political and social structure. The Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Creek were also well-established in the area, and had their own unique cultures and traditions.

Early European exploration of Tennessee

The first Europeans to explore Tennessee were Spanish explorers, who arrived in the area in the late 1500s. They were followed by French explorers in the early 1600s. These early explorers were primarily interested in the area for its potential for fur trading, and they established trading posts and forts in the region. The French also established a settlement in the area, which was known as Fort Prudhomme. This settlement was the first European settlement in the area, and it served as a base for further exploration and trading. In the late 1700s, the British also began to explore the area, and they established a number of trading posts and forts in the region. These early explorers laid the groundwork for the eventual settlement of Tennessee by Europeans.

Statehood Movement

The movement for Tennessee to become a state began in 1790 when the Southwest Territory was founded. The Southwest Territory was an area of land that was ceded by North Carolina to the United States in 1790. It was located between the Cumberland Mountains and the Mississippi River, and included the modern-day states of Tennessee, Kentucky, and parts of Alabama and Mississippi. The Southwest Territory was governed by William Blount, who was appointed by President George Washington to serve as the territory's governor. Blount was instrumental in the movement to make the Southwest Territory a state.

Founding of the Southwest Territory

In 1791, Blount called for a constitutional convention to be held in Knoxville, the capital of the Southwest Territory. At the convention, delegates from the territory's various counties drafted a state constitution. The constitution was ratified by the people of the Southwest Territory in 1796 and was sent to Congress for approval. Congress approved the constitution and the Southwest Territory officially became the state of Tennessee in 1796.

Ratification of the Tennessee Constitution

The Tennessee Constitution was a document that outlined the structure of the new state government. It provided for a bicameral legislature, with a Senate and a House of Representatives. It also provided for the election of a governor and other state officials. The Tennessee Constitution was ratified by the people of Tennessee in 1796 and was approved by Congress. With the ratification of the Tennessee Constitution, Tennessee officially became the 16th state of the United States of America.

After Statehood

Tennessee's role in the Civil War

Tennessee was the last state to join the Confederacy in 1861, and it was the first state to rejoin the Union in 1866. During the Civil War, the state was a major battleground, with some of the most significant battles occurring in Chattanooga, Shiloh, and Franklin. Tennessee was also the site of the last major battle of the Civil War, the Battle of Nashville. Tennessee's role in the Civil War was significant, as it was the site of some of the most decisive battles of the war.

Tennessee was also home to several prominent figures in the Civil War, including General Nathan Bedford Forrest, General Braxton Bragg, and President Andrew Johnson. General Forrest, in particular, was a major figure in the Confederate Army, leading the charge in many of the battles in Tennessee. His leadership was instrumental in helping the Confederacy win several battles in the state.

Tennessee's economic development

After the Civil War, Tennessee's economy began to recover. The state was able to capitalize on its natural resources, such as timber, coal, and iron ore, to drive its economic growth. The state also established several industries, such as textiles, furniture, and tobacco, to help support its economy.

In addition, Tennessee's agricultural industry began to grow, as the state's soil was well-suited for growing cotton and other crops. The state also began to develop its infrastructure, building railroads and canals to help facilitate the transportation of goods and people. This infrastructure helped to spur economic development in the state, as it allowed for easier access to markets and resources.

Tennessee also began to attract new businesses, such as banks and insurance companies, which helped to further stimulate the state's economy. This influx of new businesses helped to create jobs and increase the state's wealth. Finally, the state also began to attract new settlers, which helped to further expand its population and economy.