The Political Orphanage Populist Hillbillies vs. Fake Lordlings: The Almost-States of Franklin, Nickajack, and Transylvania
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Jul 2, 2025 Discover the intriguing stories of America’s almost-states like Franklin and Nickajack. Explore the cultural clashes between populist hillbillies and elite landowners, revealing historical tensions that resonate today. Dive into the unique aspirations of Scottish settlers and their resistance against Virginia’s power. Learn about the anti-war sentiments during the Civil War and the declaration of independence by Winston County residents. This captivating discussion sheds light on the legacy and identity shaped by these nearly formed states.
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Discovering the State of Franklin
- Andrew Heaton shares his experience noticing the statue of General John Sevier, the first governor of the state of Franklin, in the Capitol.
- This led him to discover the intriguing history of almost-states like Franklin and others in American history.
Transylvania’s Frontier Ambitions
- Transylvania was a proposed frontier colony carved from western Virginia lands claimed by the state.
- These settlers sought statehood to escape colonial dependency but were blocked by Virginia and the Continental Congress.
Virginia Blocks New States
- Virginia’s land claims and political power were the biggest obstacles to the creation of new states from its territory.
- The Constitution requires state legislature approval for new states formed from existing ones, tracing back to Virginia's history.