This rare map shows the Louisiana Territory shortly after the purchase by the United States from France.  The map also shows the proposed state of Franklin or “Franklinia.”  It was created shortly after the Revolutionary War in what is now eastern Tennessee. At the time, the wild and mountainous region was part of western North Carolina and home to over 5,000 settlers. Tensions first rose in 1784 when the North Carolina state legislature withdrew militias from the region and unsuccessfully tried to cede the lands to the federal government.

Under constant threat of Native American attacks and feeling abandoned by their government, the frustrated western settlers declared their counties a new American state. They appointed John Sevier, a politician and soldier who’d gained fame fighting the Cherokee Indians as their governor. In a meager attempt to gain Benjamin Franklin’s support for the cause, the aspiring state claimed to be named after the founding father.

After petitioning Congress for admission to the newly formed United States, Franklin narrowly fell short of the two-thirds majority needed for statehood. Yet the rogue territory continued to exist as an independent republic with its own courts, legislature, taxes and constitution. In 1788 Sevier made an audacious bid for aid from the Spanish and was quickly arrested on charges of treason. Franklin soon collapsed and was reclaimed by North Carolina. Its lands were later ceded to help form the Southwest Territory, which became the state of Tennessee.

Sevier escaped serious punishment for his actions and, thanks in part to his legendary reputation as the leader of Franklin, went on to become Tennessee’s first governor.

Dimensions: 27.75 x 23

GLO# 93842