The Town of Greeneville and Greene County are recognizing the 240th Anniversary of the State of Franklin. Please join us at Bicentennial Park on Saturday, April 27th, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to celebrate the occasion.
Travel back in time to 1784 when Greeneville and Greene County were part of North Carolina. The state of Tennessee did not yet exist! As several North Carolina counties (including Greene County) became dissatisfied with North Carolina's governance, they decided to declare independence. The intention was to become the 14th federal state. They named the state Franklin, in honor of Benjamin Franklin.
In 1785, Greeneville was named the permanent capital of the State of Franklin. While the original Capitol is gone, there is a replica cabin building at Bicentennial Park. While the State of Franklin only lasted for a few years, it is an important part of our area's heritage and frontier spirit.
Learn more about details about the State of Franklin from Greene County Historian, Tim Massey, and other experts. Partner organizations, who will set up informational booths and/or participate in programming, include the David Crockett Birthplace State Park, Friends of David Crockett Birthplace, Greene County Heritage Trust, the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, Overmountain Victory Trail Association, John Neth III, Gordon Sisk, and Elizabeth Hardy.
There will be a presentation about the history of the state and a mock session at the cabin. Children's activities will be available. Clyde’s Smoke Wagon will be on-site selling barbeque, burgers, other food and drinks. State of Franklin t-shirts will be available to purchase.
Schedule for Saturday, April 27th:
10:00 a.m. – History booths set up, children’s coloring table and other activities
11:00 a.m. – Joe Nowotarski from the David Crockett Birthplace State Park will speak
2:00 p.m. – A mock governing session will be held at the replica Capitol
Bicentennial Park (also referred to as “The Big Spring”) is located behind the Greeneville/Greene County Library and beside The Roby Fitzgerald Adult Center at 203 N College Street, Greeneville.
For more information, please reach out to Christina Potts at cpotts@greenevilletn.gov