James Miller and others left the church. The South Fork Holston River originates in Smyth County, Virginia near the community of Sugar Grove, where it is formed by the combination of several coldwater streams. In 1765, Jesse Duncan was scalped by the indiginous inhabitants. Maps The list contains name, grant number with book and page number for reference. Its original location has been the topic of debate for over two hundred years. 1500 acres of land as a Boundry for Iron Works in the fork of Wataugah and Doe River Joining the Land of said Carter also, Also 1500 acres on the South of Doe River Joining the lands of, John Hendrix (Hendricks) and Hannah Kelly. Other families followed such as Samuel Masenngill, Henry Masengill, Julius Dugger and Andrew Greer. During this article, you will read of the past by way of old Indian trails, hunting parties and the mountainous terrain that led to this wilderness frontier. Mordecai Price received a patent for four hundred acres on Sinking The earliest routes date to the early 18th-century, namely the Keowee Trail. According to Tennessee Valley Authority historians, when the Tennessee Valley Authority was created in 1933, Congress mandated that the TVA headquarters be located on the banks of the Tennessee River. I would not rule out water passage in this area, but I would not think it would be plausible from point A to final destination. in 1776, a second fort was built upriver on lands owned by Valentine After the battle with the indigenous people at Fort Watauga As I have a brick wall ancestor who was born about 1798 in SE TN (west of Chattanooga) to parents who he says were born in SC, I am curious about potential routes from upcountry SC to SE TN and wonder if the road to Fort Loudon and then possibly by water would have been plausible at the end of the 18th century? That point, the confluence of the Holston and Little Tennessee Rivers, was considered to be the beginning of the Tennessee River, 601 miles upstream from the Ohio River at Paducah, Kentucky. The Middle Fork flows 56.5 miles (90.9km) from near the western border of Wythe County, Virginia, joining the South Fork in Washington County, Virginia, southeast of Abingdon. If I am not wrong the whole State of Tennessee was called Washington County. territory. By their presence, those early settlers saved the west for the United States. 67 Ibid. John Buchanan (died 1769) was a colonial Virginia landowner, magistrate, colonel in the Virginia Militia, deputy surveyor under Thomas Lewis, and Sheriff of Augusta County, Virginia.As a surveyor, Buchanan was able to locate and purchase some of the most desirable plots of land in western Virginia and quickly became wealthy and politically influential. Land Grants from Tennessee dating from 1778 to 1780 are listed below consisting of several entries. On July 13, 1792 Moses Humphreys purchased a tract of land on the north Genealogical Data Relating to the German Settlers of Pennsylvania and Adjacent Territory, 1743. [1] Holston Mountain was named after the Holston River. When the war began, Virginian settlers had established communities stretching from the Holston River valley (now mostly in Tennessee) to the western "district" of Augusta County (now primarily southwestern Pennsylvania) and the colony had every intention of asserting its claims. In 1799 there was a petition in Washington County asking for marriages performed under the State of Franklin to be recognized. Many settlers came to the Holston and Watauga Settlements after the Battle of Alamance in May, 1771, when there was a mass migration of settlers from central North Carolina to the frontier regions. the title rested for a long period in Michael Massengill the second son of Hal. The construction of the fort was initiated during the spring of 1776. This massive compilation contains genealogies of the early families of eastern and southeastern Kentucky, the section originally comprised of the counties of Floyd, Knox, Greenup, and Clay. The request was denied. The actual military defense of Virginia's extreme western frontier did not begin, on a large scale, until the spring prior to the outbreak on Dunmore's War in the fall of 1774, more commonly referred to by historians as the Point Pleasant Campaign. The first Settlers of Augusta County, Virginia arrived in the 1720's primarily from Pennsylvania, Maryland and Eastern Virginia. The Saura were the original Native Americans to reside in present-day Surry, and the Great Wagon Road opened colonial settlement to the region in the early to mid-eighteenth century. In 1784, William Ellis purchased 325 on Boones Creek. Once the Royal authorities found proof of their existence past the Proclamation Line, soldiers responded by informing the settlers to return to North Carolina and Virginia. The above is just a brief description of the early history and origins of the area. In late 1783, North Carolina passed an act to sell vacant land to settlers. Carter, 138-300 acres-Washington County-fork of Sinking Creek water of, Westin Williams-#1371, Book 89, pg. In 1775 Michael Bawn and James Pearn were each granted permission by the county to build a grist-mill on Little Valentine Sevier, Sr. came from the Shenandoah Valley. Sevier, Sr., but later owned by Solomon and Abraham Hart, sons of Leonard Hart. But for now, lets turn our focus on the people who arrived to the land known as Tennessee. Thanks for sharing your research and knowledge. His note cards, which reference more than 4,000 early settlers of the Holston-Clinch River area and East Tennessee (1770s-1790s), are held at the Library of Virginia. 68. Legislative Journal of the Provincial Congress at Halifax, North Carolina Monday, December 23rd, 1776. Those who were unable to escape were captured by the Cherokee and the fate of these souls remain unknown. The South Holston River flows cold and clear from the bottom of South Holston Reservoir, one of The Tennessee Valley Authorities (TVA) impoundments. It is well documents that in that settlement, Rhoda Alexander was born November 6, 1785, and possible other females were born in that settlement before John Weaver, his wife and child, Jacob, arrived in late fall of 1786. Dugger, They settled about three miles above the present town of Elizabethton. [9] Both the South Fork in Virginia and the first 20 miles (32km) of the Holston in Tennessee below South Holston Dam are quality brown trout and rainbow trout fisheries. WRITINGS ON TENNESSEE COUNTIES. Many settlers came to the Holston and Watauga Settlements after the Battle of Alamance in May, 1771, when there was a mass migration of settlers from central North Carolina to the frontier regions. These were Lutheran, Reformed, or Brethren. Captain William Bean and his wife settled the area and welcomed the birth of their son, Russell during that first year. The revival also attracted members of the Buffalo Ridge Baptist Church. The Johnson City area settled in 1777 by settlers who received grants from North Carolina. Bundy, Josiah Clarke, Ralph Humphreys & Joshua Houghton, Sen. In 1779, Tidence Lane established the Buffalo Ridge Baptist Church. The community was first known as Blue Plum. It existed for about four and a half years and then North Carolina re-assumed control. Colonel John Tipton moved to the Watagua settlement in 1783. He received his commission as Gov .of the territory August 7, 1790. It was erected by the settlers of Reedy Creek and Cook's Valley, and was one of the first structures of . These early settlers formed the Watauga Association which was was semi-autonomous government created in 1772. TVA projects have greatly changed the waterways in E TN so that the direct water routes of our ancestors are not so apparent on modern maps. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. I greatly appreciate them !! Hal Massengill having married the youngest child of William Cobb. (History of Southwest Virginia). Mission: Holston Army Ammunition Plant manufactures a wide range of explosives. A southern settlement was on the Watauga River in Washington County, North Carolina. 630-200 acres-Sullivan County-land lying on two entries made by Nathan Page, John Tate-#916, Book 76, pg. Along with its three major forks (North Fork, Middle Fork and South Fork), it comprises a major river system that drains much of northeastern Tennessee, southwestern Virginia, and northwestern North Carolina. Limestone. Colonel William Christian commanded 2,000 men in a punitive expedition against the Cherokee towns, suppressing their resistance. The house is located two miles southwest of Piney Flats and stands on a rocky hill a few hundred yards to the right of the pike leading from Piney Flats to Johnson City by way of the ferry at Hyder's bluff, and short distance from the Watauga River. James Robertson and John Sevier, two of the leading members of the Watauga settlement, immediately set about to devise ways and means by which they could avoid the order of the British agent. The entire western reserve was open to purchase by anyone who could men. THE BRISTOL HERALD COURIER: BOONE TRAIL EDITION The Holston River begins in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and flows for 274 miles through Virginia into Tennessee. On September 25, 1780, the Overmountain Men The group included his brothers and brother-in-law. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. recognize the deeds' validity and continued to make grants in the I do not know when the residence of William Cobb built, but probably when he came to this section prior to 1775, or soon thereafter. Their first settlers came in single families or small parties, with no concert of action, and without any recognized leader. The . The Holston Settlements in Western Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee The first Holston settlement on the Holston River (in Virginia) became the county of Sullivan, Tennessee. At the time, they were usually referred to as "The Holston Militia". The revival that followed on Boones Creek was called the "Great Meeting." These lands were not purchased but leased as it was illegal to purchase lands from the Cherokee. pay 10 pounds per 100 acres. It is a tributary of theFrench Broad River. He kept his horses, his dogs, his rifles, even his trap for comfort and entertainment of his guests. [6] The Watauga River, a tributary of the South Fork Holston, flows 78.5 miles (126.3km) westward from Watauga County, North Carolina. Flower Swift was one of the pioneer settlers of the New River Valley. The hunters came from there and the adjacent valley of the Clinch River, where they were land owners or residents. Talbot. Many of these families arrived from both the Carolina area and the Virginia area. Names associated with Loudon Fort are James Glenn, John William De Brahm, William Henry Littleton, John Elliott, John Stuart, William Richardson, Lt. James Adamson, William Richardson Davie, Henry Timberlake, Thomas Sumter and more whose names have been lost for now. In 1824 Jerial Dodge baptized her at the Sinking Creek Baptist Church, and the Baptist Association decided against the baptism. Fort Nashborough was among the first settlements but it wasnt the earliest one. Evidently my Ancestor got there a little to late for the 1778 tax list , but here is what I found: Vachel Dillingham entered two tracts of land, in 1778, and in 1779. ATTN: JMHS-AO. Index. Also 1500 acres on the South of Doe River Joining the lands of Sam'l Tipton, Michael Tullis, David Matlock, Thomas Millsaps, William Sharp, Rich'd Kite, Isaac Eden, Sen., Wm. On September 25, 1780, the Overmountain Men Among the dams and associated reservoirs on the South Fork Holston River are Boone Dam and Boone Reservoir; Fort Patrick Henry Dam and Fort Patrick Henry Reservoir, and South Holston Dam and South Holston Reservoir. This article will look more closely at these first settlers and peer into their lives filled with wilderness and new beginnings. Most long hunts started in the Holston River Valley near Chilhowie, Virginia. This HSAAP Brochure. Let me hear from you !! In the early 1700's Britain was burdened with tens of thousands of German refugees. George Washingtonivray's Treatment Of Native Americans. They corresponded with the Cherokee and leased properties with mutual agreements during the year of 1772. It existed for about four and a half years and then North Carolina re-assumed control. The largest stream is the Holston River, which traverses the eastern portion of the county, flowing in a southwesterly course until it reaches the Washington County line where it is joined by the Watauga. These are early times so maybe there arent many, it may help me to locate their city if I can pinpoint Williams info. 9-400 acres-Washington County-on a branch near Great Nobb Licks, Samuel Harris-#10, Book 36, pg. They felt at home and never said adieu to him and his family with the parting regret and tenderness of an old friendship. The first permanent settlement in Tennessee was made in 1769 on Boones Creek Im looking for paths that might have been best for travel between 1750 and 1800 to TN. The request was denied. Washington was now faced with a problem, "The land west of . Womack moved further west in 1785. Holston Army Ammunition Plant. In 1775, the Wataugans secured their lands by purchasing it from the Cherokee Nation, and by August 1776, had petitioned North Carolina for recognition of their government, now termed "Washington District." The following petition is undated, but is believed . John Sevier settled on the Nolichucky. blood in the Holston Valley and other neighboring parts of the USA. North Carolina authorities seized some of the people who John Sevier had enslaved. Lets journey back to the years just before the Revolutionary War and walk in the footsteps of long ago. Abraham Hendry was Chairman of the Court, he and all other members were bound to the agreement. 165-352 acres-Sullivan County-north side of Holston River and Sinking Creek, Henry Rice-#347, Book 69, pg. Three battles or military campaigns that shaped modern America were fought by the settlers of Southwest Virginia and Upper Northeast Tennessee. The largest stream is the Holston River, which traverses the eastern portion of the county, flowing in a south westerly course until it reaches the Washington County line where it is joined by the Watauga. Both John and Landon were Colonels in the American Revolution. In its upper reaches some of these plants are controlled by private interests; in the downstream portion they are owned by the United States Government's Tennessee Valley Authority. By August of 1760, the Cherokee attacked the fort and was able to force the surrender of Captain Raymond Demere and others. Others include, February 1, 1796 Leonard Hart obtained 239 acres next to the Hendrix (Hendricks) Family in the Turkeytown. The government of North Carolina, however, refused to . Sevier and his supporters came to the Tipton house to reclaim them. Plan your next trip to Flag Pond, TN and be sure to visit Fort Loudoun State Park. In August, 1784 delegates from Washington and two other western North Carolina counties (all now in Tennessee), declared their Independence from North Carolina because of perceived neglect, and misuse by North Carolinas legislature. Julius Dugger and Andrew Greer were the first white men to settle in the Watauga Country. 2-90 acres-Washington County-both sides of Doe River, William Sharpe-#3, Book 36, pg. There were three main settlements in the area known as Watauga, Carter's Valley, and Nolichucky. When the militia returned, ColonelJohn Sevier's men defeated the Cherokee atBoyd's Creek and destroyed most of the remaining towns. Some were German-born or the Pennsylvania-born children of German-speaking Protestant immigrants from the Palatinate and other areas bordering the Rhine River. TheNolichucky Riverflows throughWestern North CarolinaandEast Tennessee. They fought as units of the Virginia Militia, a formally organized arm of the Commonwealth. They were aware of their presence as they would gaze upon trail markers, arrowheads and remnants of villages left behind. Early Maps of Tennessee, 1794-1799., Irwin, Ned L. Voice in The Wilderness: John Haywood And The Preservation of Early Tennessee History., James C. Kelly, Fort Loudoun: A British Stronghold in the Tennessee Country, East Tennessee Historical Society Publications. From 1784 to 1788,it was part of the State of Franklin. The Jobe family was also among the early settlers. Also, sickness and accidents attributed to early deaths as did childbirths. In answer to your question, yes, Sullivan County was at one time Washington County. Early Settlers The North Carolinians rebuffed them and this signaled the end of the State of Franklin. The Holston River Blueway stretches 52 miles from the Cherokee Dam to Knoxville, TN. If you have ancestors who lived in the Washington County area during the late 18th century, share your family with me. Security agreement. There was once a post office located at the house, "Rocky Mount," but I have not been able to ascertain when this was established. It continued south in the valley via the Great Warriors' Trail (also called the Indian Road, as on this map), which was established by centuries of Indian travel over ancient trails created by migrating buffalo herds.