Still upset with North Carolina over taxation, protection, and other issues, leaders in Franklin began operating as a de facto independent national republic after the failed statehood attempt.Greeneville was declared the new capital. The first legislature met in Greeneville in December 1785. The delegates adopted a permanent constitution, known as the Holston Constitution, which was modeled closely upon that of North Carolina. John Sevier also proposed to commission a Franklin state flag, but it was never designed.Franklin opened courts, incorporated and annexed five new counties and fixed taxes and officers’ salaries.The Republic’s primary currency was barter with anything in common use among the people allowed in payment to settle debts, including corn, tobacco, apple brandy, and skins. (Sevier was often paid in deer hides.) Federal or foreign currencies were accepted. All citizens were granted a two-year reprieve on paying taxes, but the lack of hard currency and economic infrastructure slowed development and often created confusion.By 1786 the tiny Appalachian state was nearing its final demise. Because they were claiming to be an independent republic, neither the federal army or the North Carolina militia served to protect the settlers from increasing Indian attacks.In late 1786, North Carolina offered to waive all back taxes if Franklin would reunite with its government. When this offer was popularly rejected in 1787, North Carolina moved in with troops under the leadership of Col. John Tipton and re-established its own courts, jails, and government at Jonesborough.The September 1787 meeting of the Franklin legislature, however, was its last.
I thought I just did!