Franklin, State of, was never admitted to the Union. It was organized as a state between 1784 and 1788, and had its own constitution and governor. In 1784, North Carolina ceded part of its western lands to the federal government. Before Congress could vote to accept the region, North Carolina withdrew the offer. The people of the area already governed themselves under the so-called Watauga Association. In August and December 1784, they held meetings to create their own state, which they named in honor of Benjamin Franklin. They elected John Sevier governor and formally requested Congress to recognize Franklin as a state. However, North Carolina opposed the admission of Franklin to the Union, and Congress decided to refuse Franklin’s request.
For four years, the region had two competing governments. Both Franklin and North Carolina established courts and levied taxes. In the confusion, Franklin’s government gradually lost its influence. Sevier’s term as governor ended in 1788, and the people of Franklin rejoined North Carolina. In 1796, the region became part of the new state of Tennessee, and Sevier became the state’s first governor.
