East Tennessee Timeline :: Kingsport

Also see Prehistorical Information and Archaeological Information.

Paleo Indians here first. Stone instrument users.

Woodland Indians next. Burial mounts, advanced weapons. Mounds exist in Kingsport. Hollowed out log canoes. pottery , dogs for hunting. Round domed dwellings of bent saplings. Villages dotted Holston River shores, planted corn and hunted. Burial Mound Builders.

900-1500AD The age of the Temple Mound Builders of Mississippian Culture Period. Among these were "People of One Fire" whose grand alliance dominated the Southeast for hundreds of years. No written history about them. Knowledge from archaelogical excavations and anthropological studies.

1541 De-Soto camps near present day site of city of Memphis, Tennessee.
1566 Juan Pedro and a group of Spaniards built a fort near the site of present-day Chattanooga.
1629 King Charles I grants territory, located between 31 and 36 N latitude, to Sir Robert Heath, who names it "Carolina" after the king.
1663 King Charles II establishes the colony of Carolina and grants the territory to eight loyal supporters (Lord Proprietors), this includes what is now the state of Georgia.
1665 English charter to Carolina Company includes what is now Tennessee
1673 James Needham and Gabriel Arthur explored the eastern portion of what is now Tennessee for Virginia. Louis Joliet and Jacques Marquette explored the western part of what is now Tennessee for France.
1683 Robert Cavalier, Sieur De La Salle claims Mississippi Valley for France; builds fort Prud'homme near present day Memphis at the mouth of the Hatchie River. This is first building erected by white men in Tennessee.
1684 First Treaty is made with the Cherokees.
1711 Eleazer Wiggan, English trader, establishes trade with Overhill Cherokees.
1714 Charles Charlesville established a French trading post near the location of present day Nashville.
1729 Seven lord's proprietors sell all their lands in the colonies to George II. Lord John Earl Granville to whom was allotted the section along the North Carolina/Virginia line retained his lands. He continued to sell land until his rights were taken away by the state after the surrender of the British at Yorktown in 1781.
1730 First English Treaty is made with the Cherokees. It is negotiated by Sir Alezander Cuming.
1730 William Bryan who married his cousin Mary Boone (sister of Daniel Boone) was the son of Morgan Bryan, a quaker from New Garden Meeting, Chester County, Pennyslvania. In 1730, William purchased 100,000 acres in Yadkin County, North Carolina. In 1748 William moved, with his family to the Deep Creek Quaker community on the edge of his 100,000 acre tract. Some of his cousins bought land from him and settled on this tract in 1750. Squire Boone (father of Mary and Daniel) organized the independent/non-demoninational Joppa church services in the upper Yadkin valley. Raised a Quaker, Boone was taken to task for allowing his two eldest children to mary "outsiders."
1736 First missionary, Christian Priber, reaches the Cherokee town of Great Tellico.
1738 Smallpox kills nearly half of the Cherokee population.

1750 Dr. Thomas Walker led a group of Virginians into what is now East Tennessee. They reached the Cumberland River and the Mountains, which they named in honor of the Duke of Cumberland.
1756 Using the Long Island Road to pass through the area, Major Andrew Lewis builds Virginia fort near Chota, the Cherokee capital. This was to protect the western border of the British colonies during the French and Indian War.

1756 English started building Fort Loudoun on the Little Tennessee River, in present day Tennessee.

They lived for a time at Craigs Creek Plantation, Augusta County, Virginia. He received 176 acres on John's Creek in Botetourt County, Virginia about 1766. In 1767 he was listed as the "viewer" of a road from McMurtry's mill through McAfee's gap, along the Catawba River. This family migrated to Green County, North Carolina (now Tennessee) in 1778. A record of this marriage is found in Henshaw, volume 6, and records William Manley, surety.
1758 Stephen Holston comes to Tennessee area and gives his name to the Holston River.
Colonel Byrd builds Fort Robinson opposite the east end of Long Island (John B Dennis Highway). Long Island was a sanctuary to the Cherokee. Some of the soldiers of Fort Robinson bacame the founding fathers of Christianville (later Kings Port).

1760 Fort Loudoun captured by Cherokee Indians.

1761 The Virginia Militia under the command of Major Andrew Lewis cut a wagon road (called The Island Road) from Chilhowie, Virginia to the Long Island of Holston. Here they built Fort Robinson (the second British fort built on what is now Tennessee soil) just nearly opposite the east end of the Long Island on the north bank of the Holston River.

1763 End of the French and Indian War. France cedes area east of Mississippi River, including what is now Tennessee, to British at Treaty of Paris. Georgia Province now extends west to Mississippi River, south to St. Mary's river.

1764 7 October 1763, King George III issued a proclamation prohibiting all the provincial governors from granting lands, or issuing land warrants, to be located upon any territory lying west of the mountains, or west of the source of the Atlantic rivers. He further prohibited any private citizen from purchasing land from the Indians.

1765 Jesse Duncan was killed and scalped by indians when he strayed away from a scouting party near what is now Rocky Mount, Tennessee. He is credited as being the first white man to die and be buried on what is now Tennessee soil.

1768 14 October 1768 was the date that the "Treaty of Hard Labour" was executed. This treaty brought about a cession of land belonging to the Cherokee Nation. It was not until 13 May 1769 that a new boundary line between the Cherokee Indians and the white settlements was agreed upon.

1768 Another treaty executed this year was "The Treaty of Fort Stanwick." This treaty created the "first cession by Indians, of lands within the limits of what is now the state of Tennessee." The Iriquois Indians ceded their claims to present-day Tennessee to the English.
1769 Daniel Boone, Long Hunter, passes through East Tennessee.

1769 William Bean of Virginia, believed to have been first permanent white settler west of the Appalachians, builds a cabin on Boone's Creek, a tributary of the Watauga River and started the first permanent white settlement in what is now Tennessee.

1770 James Robertson, from Orange County, North Carolina moves to the vicinity of Sycamore Shoals on the Watauga River.

1771 18 October 1770, the authorities executed the "Treaty of Lochabar", which established new boundaries between the Indian lands and the white settlers. It granted permission, so the white settlers thought, to white occupation of Kentucky and Tennessee. The Lochabar lines meant pioneers were limtied to using the land six miles east of Long Island. See map section.

1770 - 1771 Winter of 1770 into spring of 1771, there were only about 20 families in the new Watauga settlement. By 1771 four separate areas are settled. 1. Watauga (Elizabethton area) 2. Nolichucky (Near Erwin) 3. Carter's Valley (Rogersville area.) 4. North Holston (Kingsport/Bristol area).

1772 Donelson does survey establishing the southern line of the boundry between Indian lands and the Colonies. The fact that the Wataugans were squatters on Indian land was very clear. They were ordered to remove themself by Alexander Cameron. They received permission to stay until after the fall harvest.

1771 May 1771, the "Battle of Alamance" was fought at Alamance Courthouse, North Carolina. A group of Carolina Frontiersmen known as the "Regulators" fought and lost a battle with The North Carolina Government in protest of unfair taxation. These men, now with a price on their heads moved across the mountains that King George had said they should not cross. They established new homes in the Watauga area near present-day Rogersville, Tennessee. At the time, they thought this area was part of Virginia. Several families from Virginia and other Colonies were already in the area.

1772 By spring of 1772 there were 70 - 80 family farms established in the Watauga settlement. James Robertson and John Bean made a treaty with the Indians to lease the land of all the country on the waters of the Watauga. "Articles of Friendship" were signed and a ten year lease executed.

1772 May 1772, settlers in the Holston Valley form Watauga Association, "written articles of association." One of earliest independent governments west of Appalachians. A new settlement was created on the Nolichucky River. This is the first written constitution in America of a free and independent people.

1773 James Boone killed. He is the eldest son of Daniel Boone and is killed in Russell County, Virginia.

1774 September 24 John Roberts family killed. Living on the north fork of Reedy Creek (Boozy Creek), the family was killed and son captured by a party of Shawnees and Mingoes under the leadership of Chief John James Logan from the Ohio area. Leaves note.

1774 Killings by Chief Logan lead to Dunsmore's War. Men from the Holston Valley help to defeat the Indian towns in Ohio. (The experience gained in this campaign is responsible for the defeat of the Cherokees at Long Island in 1776.)

1775 British soldiers fired on patriot Minutemen of Lexington and Concord, The American Revolutionary war is begun. The British Government having determined, as early as June 1775 to call in the Indians against the Americans. Supplies of hatchets, guns and ammunition were issued to warriors of all tribes from the Great Lakes to the gulf. Bounties were offered for American Scalps brought to commanding officer at Detroit or Oswego. The Cherokee and Creek Indians Sided with the British and when the final severance came, they threw their whole power into the British scale. They would regret this decision, because in this war, as with any other, to the victor belongs the spoils. 3 July 1775, General George Washington assumed command of the American Armies. As active resistance spread, the Royal government collapsed and the Patriots (Whigs) took over, setting up their own provincial assemblies. Royal Governors from New Hampshire to Georgia fled to the safety of the British navy.

1775 20 June 1775, settlers in Fincastle County, Virginia which included the North-of-Holston neighbors of the Wataugans, formed a Committie of safety at Chiswell's mine. The Long Island and Carter's Valley was then understood to be a part Of Virginia. This area would continue to be administered by Virginia until a state line survey was run in 1779. After the survey showed them to be part of North Carolina, it was incorporated as Sullivan County, North Carolina.

1775 17 March 1775, Judge Richard Henderson & Co. (Transylvania Land Company) buys lands in the Cumberland Valley from the Cherokee Indians in a land purchase called the Treaty of Sycamore Shoals. This purchase included the whole tract of land between the Kentucky and Cumberland rivers. This cut the Cherokee's off from the Ohio River and all their rich Kentucky hunting grounds. The Transylvania Company had neither the right, charter, power nor sovereignty to make a treaty. This was not really a treaty, since the Cherokee Indians sold him the land and he received a deed.

1775 19 March 1775, Charles Robertson concludes the Wataugah Purchase in which the Cherokee Indians deeded a large block of land to him on the waters of the Holston and Wataugah Rivers. The Watauga Association becomes Washington District.

1775 25 March 1775, Jacob Brown made three land purchases from the Cherokee Indians in the area along the Nolichucky river, southwest of present day Jonesborough, Tennessee. These are included in the Watauga Purchase Book, Old Book A.

1775 Wilderness Road is begun by Daniel Boone. Kills bear first night out. A tree was found near Reedy Creek in 1846 with the carving "D. Boone killed a bar o This Tre 1775".

1776-7 Washington District annexed to North Carolina Feb. 27th. North Carolina's army fought and won battle against British troops at Moors Creek Bridge, near Wilmington. April 12th, North Carolina provincial Congress, meeting at Halifax, directed its delegates to the Continental Congress to vote for independence, First State constitution adopted.

1776 June, A large British naval and military force attacked Charleston, South Carolina. Simultaneously a body of Cherokee Indians, led by Tories in Indian disguise ravaged the exposed frontier of South Carolina, Killing and burning as they went. The British were repulsed, whereupon the Indians withdrew. About the same time seven hundred Cherokee warriors were advancing in two divisions to attack the settlements on the Watauga and the Holston. Due to being warned by Nancy Ward, the settlers were prepared and repulsed the attacks. At the same time, Cherokee Indians of the upper and middle towns, with the help of Tories and Creek Indians began ravaging the South Carolina and Georgia Settlements.

1776 Cherokee Old Abram attacks the Watauga people. Cherokee Dragging Canoe is responsible for the Battle of Island Flats, the first battle of the Revolution west of the mountains.

1776 July, throughout the rest of the year, the leaders in the Border States determined to strike such a determined blow at the Cherokee as should render them passive while the struggle with England continued. Forces were mobilized and expeditions from Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia entered the Cherokee Nation from several directions, burning towns, destroying foodstuff, killing livestock, cutting down fruit trees and killing the Indians. From the Virginia boarder to the Chattahooche, the chain of destruction was complete.

1777 20 July 1777, the Middle and upper Cherokees, by a treaty at Long Island, ceded everything east of the Blue Ridge, together with all the disputed territory on the Watauga, Nolichucky, Upper Holston, and New Rivers. North Carolina then passed a new law authorizing sale of 640 acres to each settler at fifty shilling per 100 acres, plus a 100 acres for his wife and each child. John Carter became the public entry taker for the counties west of the mountains. All settlers on the Watauga and Nolichucky were required to take new titles. Land grants were issued by North Carolina for lands south of the French Broad and Holston, which was clearly Indian Territory.

1777 A considerable portion of the Cherokee's were hostile to the Americans and refused to be a party to these cessions. They removed westward and built new towns on Chicamauga Creek, near present Chattanooga. These Indians, under the name of "Chickamauga Tribes" became noted for their never-ceasing hostility.

1777 (9) Washington District, North Carolina becomes Washington County, North Carolina. Jonesborough is county seat and first town in what is now Tennessee, chartered.

1777 Commissioners of Virginia and North Carolina negotiate Treaty of Long Island (Avery Treaty) which acknowledged the defeat of the Cherokees at the Battle of Long Island Flats. This opens new boundaries for settlers.

1778 Joseph McMurtree received a North Carolina land grant (Grant No. 1870) for 300 acres on both sides of Camp Creek on the Nolichucky River near what is now Warrensburg Tennessee.

1778 Tax books compiled by Valentine Sevier for Washington County show two John Webb's and a Martin Webb living in Greasy Cove (now Unicoi County). Neither appears on the 1779 tax list, but this list is not complete.

1779 John Webb is mentioned in Washington County, North Carolina records in November 1779 when a Cavit suit was brought against William Cobb.

1779 Colonel Even Shelby gathers his troops at Long Island and goes by boat to defeat hostile Chickamaugas near present site of Chattanooga.

1779 John Donelson takes a group from Fort Patrick Henry to French Lick. Distance is 1000 miles by river.

1779 Washington County, North Carolina Divided into two Counties. Sullivan County was created from the North-of-Holston territory which, until the state line survey of that year, had been administered by Virginia. (it was Fincastle County to the Virginia Government).

1780 Colonel McDowell with his Patriot forces retreated northwestward into the mountains. This small army then divided, Shelby and Robertson went back to Watauga, Williams took their prisoners to a place of safekeeping, and Clarke, with one hundred men went south to attack Augusta, Georgia. Colonel Ferguson with his British forces stationed himself at Gilbert Town, North Carolina and sent a message by a paroled prisoner to the Wataugans "that he would march his army over the mountains, burn their cabins, lay their country waste and hang their leaders if they did not cease their opposition to the British." Meanwhile Colonel Elijah Clarke, unsuccessful in his attack on Augusta 14, 15 and 16 September 1780, soon brought his soldiers and their families (about four hundred half starved men, women and children) over the mountains to safety on the banks of the Nolachucky River. It is my opinion that John and Jesse Webb were among these four hundred. Colonel McDowell was mauled at Bickerstaff's, North Carolina and he too brought his small command across the mountains to the Watauga Settlements.

1780 In late August 1780, Colonel Isaac Shelby received the Message from Colonel Ferguson, and he immediately set out to confer with Colonel John Sevier. It was decided that they would leave the old men and young boys to guard the settlements in Washington and Sullivan County's against the Indians, gather what forces they could from Virginia, North and South Carolina and cross the mountains to meet Colonel Ferguson and give him battle.

1780 25 September 1780 was the date set for muster at Sycamore Shoals to ready the troops for dealing with Colonel Patrick Ferguson.

1780 7 October 1780 Watauga soldiers led by Evan Shelby and John Sevier helped in defeat of British at battle of Kings Mountain, in South Carolina where British Colonel Ferguson was killed. There was a Capt. David Webb and a George Webb among the Patroit soldiers who fought at Kings Mountain. In Campbell's Diary is found an entry "whereas Major T. S. Webb has been of essential importance in helping to determine and describe the route and its localities of the Kings Mountain Men". The British forces were annihilated. The Battle of King's Mountain turns the tide of the Revolution and it is the backwoods Indian fighters who win the battles.

1780 December 1780 General Nathaniel Greens appointed to command of American forces in the south.

1781 17 January 1781, Battle of Cow Pens, South Carolina.

1781 1 February 1781, John Webb is married to Elizabeth McMurtry by the Rev. Isaac Barton in Washington County, North Carolina.

1782 John Sevier defeats Chickamauga Indians.

1783 The first reference to a meeting of friends at Nolichucky (now Green County, Tennessee) occurs in the New Garden Monthly Meeting minutes for 30 August 1783: " This Meeting taking under consideration several families of friends that have some time ago removed from here to Nolichucky, refers the matter to next meeting." The next meeting appointed a visiting committee to inspect into their situation's circumstances wheather their being there tends to honor of truth or not." The report on 27 December suggested that it had "not tended much to the honour of truth" though they were "of the mind that there are some tender minds among them which deserves the notice of their friends".

1783 North Carolina grants charter for Martin Academy (Washington College) near Jonesborough.

1783 North Carolina legislature establishes Green County out of Washington County lands. Western lands now have three counties (Washington, Sullivan & Greene). Approximately 18,000 people living in these three counties. A north Carolina Act was passed declaring the land south of the Tennessee and Holston Rivers and south of the French Broad to the mouth of the Big Pigeon was reserved for the Cherokee Indians. About 100 white families were already living there.

1783 Great Britain signs formal treaty, recognizing the independence of the colonies.

1784 North Carolina cedes western lands to federal government, then repeals act; settlers in area exasperated; organize State of Franklin. 15 may 1785 John Sevier issues proclamation announcing himself as Governor and Captain General over the said State of Franklin.

The treaty of Dumplin was signed on 10 June 1785 between the Cherokee Indians and the State of Franklin. All lands south of the French Broad and Holston Rivers were ceded to the state of Franklin. For four years there would be dual government's in this area (1) North Carolina and (2) state of Franklin. Each would register and record deed's, issue land grants, issue marriage license and record marriages, etc., in effect perform all the functions of government.

1785 In 1785 the Bent Creek Baptist Church was organized with Tydence Lane as its pastor. Persons listed as prominent in it's organization and growth were "Isaac Barton", Jacob Coffman and others. Jacob Coffman was a Primitive Baptist Preacher and was on the board of Trustees of the church known as Robertsons Creek Meeting house in Hawkins County. This would lead me to believe "Isaac Barton" was also a Baptist. It isn't likley there was two people in this area with the name Isaac Barton.

1785 John Sevier, Alexander Outlaw and others representing the State of Franklin consumate the treaty of Dumplin Creek with the Cherokee Indian's on 10 June 1785. This treaty opened all the lands lying and being on the South side of the Holston and French Broad rivers, as far south as the ridge that devides the waters of Little River from the waters of the Tennessee.

1785 The new government of the United States concludes 1st treaty with Cherokee Indians at Hopewell, South Carolina on 28 November 1785. Indians complain that 3,000 white settlers were at that moment in occupancy of unceded land between the Holston and French Broad. Government ignores State of Franklin and Treaty of Dumplin. When the line was established in accordance with the treaty of Hopewell, it was found that a considerable population had settled between the line and the French Broad River. Between four and five hundred families had located south of the French Broad. This number was to double during the coming year. The history of John Sevier was the history of the state of Franklin, The Territory South of the River Ohio and the state of Tennessee during its first ten or twelve years of existance. Try as much as he could, John Sevier was not able to get clear land title for these settlers south of the French Broad River until 1810. There was a clause in the treaty " The people settled between the fork of French Broad and Holston Rivers, whose particular situation shall be transmitted to the United States Congress assembled, for their decision," ... .

1786 8 August 1786 - Congress adopts a monetary system based on the Spanish dollar, with a gold piece valued at $10, silver pieces at$1, one-tenth of $1 also in silver, and copper pennies.

1786 16 October 1786 - Congress establishes the United States mint.

1786 A large body of Chickamaugan (Cherokee Indian) warriors, led by the mixed blood chief, John Watts, raided the new settlements in the vicinity of present day Knoxville, Tennessee. In retaliation Sevier marched his volunteers across the mountain to the valley Indian towns and destroyed three of them, killing a number of warriors.

1786 Hawkins County established by North Carolina. Franklin State Government was in existence, Called it Spencer County.

1786 Sullivan county established by North Carolina. Franklin State Government called it part of Spencer County.

1786 The State of Franklin opened an entry takers office for lands south of the French Broad and commenced to issue land grants. The land sold for 40 shillings per 100 acres, 10 shillings to be paid at time of purchase, with 2 years to pay the remainder.

1787 Hawkins County created out of Sullivan County.

1787 It was about the year 1787 that the Methodist Church "Pine Chapel" was built at what is now Swannsylvania, Jefferson County, Tennessee. This area was south of the French Broad River and was considered Indian Territory by the state of North Carolina. In 1792 this building was burned and several residents of the community killed in an Indian raid. Although the Pine Chapel grounds were used as a camp ground for holding outdoor Methodist Campmeetings, the Pine Chapel Church buliding was not rebuilt until about 1825.

1788 State of Franklin collapses.

1789 North Carolina again voted to cede her western lands to the U.S. Government to help pay her Revolutionary War debts. Certain reservations as to the granting of land in the western lands were reserved by North Carolina. Through the efforts of John Sevier a clause was included granting pre-emption rights to those settlers south of the French Broad and Holston Rivers, should a land office be opened there.

1789 John Sevier is elected first representative to United States Congress from west of the Alleghenies.

1789 Andrew Jackson, a young lawyer destined to become President, boards with William Cobb in Sullivan County.

1790 On 11 and 12 December 1789, North Carolina cedes her western lands to the United States; On 2 April 1790, the lands were accepted and signed into law. On 26 May 1790 Congress organizes area into a Territory and calls it " Territory of the United States, South of the River Ohio." William Blount was named Governor, territorial governor, and superintendent of Indian affairs by President George Washington.

1791 The Treaty of Holston (also called Blount's Treaty) was signed on 2 July 1791. Cherokees lose all calim to their rich hunting grounds of the Holston Valley. In this treaty the Indians ceded lands extending from the Clinch River almost to the Blue Ridge. It included nearly the whole of the French Broad and the Lower Holston. Most of the settlers who held State of Franklin land grants on what was previously Indian lands were now within the territory of the United States. They would not receive clear title to their land's until it was surveyed by the State of Tennessee in 1807 and land grants issued in 1810. This treaty had little effect upon the Chickamagugan Tribes. They initiated hostilities against the white settlers and this warfare continued for the next three years.

Even with scattered returns we can draw some interesting conclusions. Thomas Webb was living in the area called the South Fork of Broad River (currently part of Madison county, Georgia). It was unclear whether Thomas Webb moved between 1786 and 1793 or the militia district realignments put him in different districts. It appeared he either sold, gave away or lost his land between 1786 and 1790. At least he was no longer taxed for land in 1792 and 1793.

1791 Governor Blount establishes headquarters at White's Fork (Knoxville).

1791 First newspaper published in Rogersville. It is called the Knoxville Gazette.

1792 Andrew Jackson receives his first military appointment.

1792 Jefferson County established by proclamation on June 11, 1792. Formed from Green and Hawkins Counties.

1792 Knox County established by proclamation on June 11, 1792. Formed from Green and Hawkins Counties.

1794 Sevier County established September 27, 1794 out of Jefferson County lands.

1794 Territorial Assembly holds first session.

1794 Blount College, forerunner of the University of Tennessee, is chartered.

1795 Walton Road is completed from Kingston to Nashville.

1795 Blount County established July 11, 1795 out of Knox County lands.

1796 In the book "Bent Twigs in Jefferson County, by Jean Patterson Bible", she writes that Friends Station, the Quaker settlement is located a short distance west of present day New Market, Jefferson County, Tennessee. She says there were over 200 Quaker Families there at one time. The church was called "Lost Creek Meeting House" and is still standing today. The building dates back to 1796, but there was an earlier log structure that burned on the site. The remaining Quakers, though small in number continue to maintain the meeting house and cemetery to this date.

1796 Tennessee becomes 16th state, 1 June 1796; capital, Knoxville; governor, John Sevier. First Constitution is adopted. Through the efforts of John Sevier, the Tennessee State Constitution, Declaration of Rights, section 31: "That the people residing south of the French Broad and Holston (then Holston River is now named the Tennessee River), between the rivers Tennessee (now the Little Tennessee) and the Big Pigeon (now the Pigeon), are entitled to the right of pre-emption and occupancy in that tract." John and Jesse Webb's land fell within this area and it is very possible that they had received land grants from the lost state of Franklin for their land.

1796 The Cherokee name, Tennessee, is given to the state.

1796 William Blount and William Cocke elected first United States Senators from Tennessee.

1796 Andrew Jackson is elected first representative in Congress from Tennessee.

1796 Tennessee legislature establishes Carter County (1st new county organized by new state) out of Washington County.

1796 1St Tennessee Legislature establishes Grainger County April 22, 1796 out of Hawkins and Knox Counties.

1797 Thomas Embree in Knoxville Gazette (Rogersville) urges organization of an abolition society.

1798 Andrew Jackson resigns as U.S. Senator and is appointed judge of State Superior Court.

1800 The Congress designates the Natchez Trace as the official post road between Nashville and Natchez.

1801 Thomas Jefferson of Virginia serves as the third President of the United States (1801-1809)

1802 William King of th salt works in Saltville, Virginia, builds a boat yard from which to ship salt. (This boatyard was in front of the present Netherland Inn on the south fork of the Holston River.) This spot comes to be known as King's Port. See map section.

1802 Robert Christian lays out the town of Christianville just upriver from King's Boat Yard. See map section.

1804 Legislature passes a law to regulate the laying out of public roads.

1806 United States Congress passed an act on 18 April 1806, "An act to authorize the state of Tennessee to issue grants and perfect titles to certain lands therein described, and to settle claims to the vacant and un-appropriated lands within the same, "

1807 The Tennessee State Government, in a realization of John Sevier's continued effort's over several years to give these settlers legal claim to their land's, commences surveying the various claims in the Tennessee Surveyors District "The district south of the French Broad and Holston".

1807 First bank. Bank of Nashville, first in Tennessee, is chartered.

1809 James Madison of Virginia serves as fourth President of the United States (1809-1817).

1811 Knoxville Bank is chartered.

1811 Reelfoot Lake is formed by earthquake shocks.

1812 Legislature convenes in Nashville for the first time.

1812 War is declared with Great Britain.

1812 Andrew Jackson offers his own services and those of 2,500 volunteers for the War of 1812.

1813 When Jackson's troops are dismissed nine months later from the War of 1812, Jackson leads his troops home over the Natchez Trail. He displayed the "toughness of the hickory tree" and earned the name "Old Hickory".

1814 Andrew Jackson defeats the Creek Indians at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend, ending the Creek Indian War.

1815 Jackson defeats the British at the Battle of New Orleans.

1817 James Monroe of Virginia serves as the fifth President of the United States (1817-1825).

1818 Jackson acquires West Tennessee and Kentucky from the Chickasaw Indians.

1819 Elihu Embree begins the antislavery newspaper in Jonesboro. All of the antislavery activity was confined to East Tennessee, the region least dependent upon slavery.

1819 Murfreesboro becomes the capital of Tennessee.

1820 423,000 persons live in Tennessee.

1822 When incorporated, the name "Kingsport" is given the old Boat Yard community.

1823 Andrew Jackson is elected United States Senator.

1823 First public school law is enacted.

1825 John Quincy Adams serves as the sixth President of the United States (1825-1829).

1825 General Assembly adopts a resolution to remove the seat of government to Nashville.

1826 Davy Crockett is elected to the United States Congress.

1829 Andrew Jackson serves as the seventh President of the United States (1829-1837).

1829 Sam Houston resigns governorship and goes into voluntary exile among the Cherokees in Arkansas.

1833 Epidemic of Asiatic Cholera sweeps over Tennessee.

1836 Sam Houston and other Tennesseans lead Texas to independence from Mexico.

1836 Davy Crockett is killed at the Alamo.

1837 Trail of Tears. Removal of the Cherokees from Tennessee. 4,000 Cherokees die.

1842 First train in Tennessee makes run over LaGrange and Memphis realroad.

1843 Nashville becomes permanent state capital.

1845 Andrew Jackson dies at the Hermitage.

1846 Mexican War is declared.

1848 Governor Brown calls for volunteers for the Mexican War. Tennessee's quota is 2,800, but 30,000 respond and Tennessee confirms it reputation as the "Volunteer State."

1850's East Tennessee leads the state in wheat production.

1856 Bristol is incorporated.

1856 Virginia and Tennessee Railroad is completed in Bristol.

1861 Governor Harris proclaims Tennessee's secession on June 24 as the Civil War begins.

1862 Confederate Fort Henry surrender in February. Confederate domination in East Tennessee was established early in the war. There were divided loyalties here more than in any other part of the South. Families were split and friendships severed, churches were divided, some men joined the Yankee troops while other enlisted in the Rebel army. Although there were no major battles in the region until the Autumn of 1863, East Tennessee was a land daily torn by guerrilla activity, bushwhackers, military raids, and a profound disruption of social and economic life.

1864 Battle of Kingsport is fought on December 13. Federal General Stoneman and troops defeat Confederate troops led by Colonel Morgan. The battle takes place at the Rotherwood Bridge river banks. The Yankees were on the northern bank. The Confederate troops were sheltered in the walls of the southern bank. Though outnumbered, the Confederate troops held back the Federal troops until they sent a group further down river. Upon crossing and circling back, the Confederate troops being surrounded had no choice but to surrender. The pillage of the war left the Kingsport area in disarray for the next 40 years.

1865 Andrew Johnson of Tennessee becomes the seventeenth President of the United States on April 15, one day after Abraham Lincoln is assassinated (1865-1869).

1866 Tennessee is restored to the Union on July 24.

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