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| Local re-enactors Rob Richmond, left, Phillip Cooper, Thomas Miller and Dustin Odom converse before the start of the Battle of the State of Franklin at Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site on Saturday. |
This article from Johnson City Press highlights the annual re-enactment of the 1788 Battle of the State of Franklin held at the Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site in Johnson City, Tennessee. Visitors learn how Col. John Tipton and John Sevier — opposing figures in the frontier’s bid to form a separate state named Franklin — turned Tipton’s property into a dramatic battleground. After moving from Virginia, Tipton became a loyalist to North Carolina, while Sevier served as governor of the fledgling State of Franklin. Tensions mounted for years, primarily over disputes about taxes owed to North Carolina. Matters culminated when the North Carolina sheriff, under Tipton’s orders, seized some of Sevier’s property, prompting Sevier to march on Tipton’s home with around 100 men on February 27, 1788.
For several days, Tipton, his family, and a small contingent of supporters withstood Sevier’s siege. Reinforcements arrived for Tipton during a heavy snowstorm, and when firing began, Tipton rallied his men to defend his cabin. After only about ten minutes of fighting, Sevier and his Franklinites retreated. Although the conflict was brief, it effectively thwarted Franklin’s hopes, and the would-be state dissolved a year later. Ironically, both principals went on to shape Tennessee’s future: Tipton helped the region become the 16th state, while Sevier became Tennessee’s first governor.
Today, the Tipton-Haynes site preserves this pivotal piece of Tennessee history. Situated on 45 acres, it features 11 historic buildings, a cemetery, a limestone cave, and a nature trail, offering visitors a window into the region’s frontier past.
For several days, Tipton, his family, and a small contingent of supporters withstood Sevier’s siege. Reinforcements arrived for Tipton during a heavy snowstorm, and when firing began, Tipton rallied his men to defend his cabin. After only about ten minutes of fighting, Sevier and his Franklinites retreated. Although the conflict was brief, it effectively thwarted Franklin’s hopes, and the would-be state dissolved a year later. Ironically, both principals went on to shape Tennessee’s future: Tipton helped the region become the 16th state, while Sevier became Tennessee’s first governor.
Today, the Tipton-Haynes site preserves this pivotal piece of Tennessee history. Situated on 45 acres, it features 11 historic buildings, a cemetery, a limestone cave, and a nature trail, offering visitors a window into the region’s frontier past.
