K 



irst attempt at government 



In 1772, the Tennessee settlers formed wliat they 

 called the Watauga Association to govern the region. 

 Meanwhile, Kentucky was experiencing a greater influx 

 of settlers than was Tennessee. With good fortifications 

 to the North, Kentucky proved an excellent protective 

 barrier for Tennessee from hostile Indians. With condi- 

 tions being more favorable than ever for continued 

 settlement, Tennessee thrived and, in 1779, Nashville 

 was established as a colony. During its first years of 

 existence though, Indian troubles plagued the small 

 colony— settlers were being slain at the rate of one 

 every ten days. But as the population grew, the Indians 

 were pushed west. 



K 



rom revolution to statehood. 



Although the heart of the American Revolution was 

 located on the Eastern seaboard, Tennessee made her 

 contribution to America's independence. The settlers 

 formed a committee of public safety and reorganized 

 their government as the "Washington District." In 

 1776 they were faced with Indian trouble and appealed 

 to North Carolina for help. Following this assistance, 

 North Carolina annexed the territory and it became 

 Washington County— part of the "Tar Heel" state. 



During the Revolution, the first organized settlement 

 in the Cumberland Valley occurred. Settlers cleared 

 their new land and saved the best soils for tobacco. 

 The virgin soils, rich in limestone and nitrogen com- 

 pounds, proved excellent for tobacco growth. 



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