The History of Jonesborough

Jonesborough, named in honor of North Carolina Assemblyman Willie Jones, was the first township staked out in what is known today as Tennessee. The year was 1779. Five years later, North Carolina ceded her western land, including Jonesborough, to the new federal government. Congress, however, did not readily respond, and the people formed their own government called the State of Franklin. They made Jonesborough its capital, and John Sevier became governor. After a time, however, North Carolina wanted the land back--a situation that resulted in bloodshed and John Sevier’s arrest. The episode brought an end to the first attempt at statehood after the original thirteen states.

Once Tennessee became the nation's 16th state in 1796, the town grew in importance, becoming a major thoroughfare for pioneers moving westward. Its citizens published newspapers, including the nation’s first anti-slavery periodicals, and built railroads. When the Civil War erupted, Jonesborough and East Tennessee were strategic locations due to the many union sympathizers living in this confederate state.

Since the early days in Tennessee history, Jonesborough has experienced growth and change. The most significant change came in 1969 when Jonesborough became Tennessee’s first town to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the town leaders launched a multi-million dollar restoration program. Today, Tennessee’s oldest town draws thousands of visitors every with its Norman Rockwell setting. Disney Studios chose Jonesborough as the setting for the movie “Goodbye Miss Fourth of July” because of the feeling of Main Street USA.