Elizabethton in Carter County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
First Court West of the Alleghenies
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 10, 2020
1. First Court West of the Alleghenies Marker
In 1772 the first court west of the Alleghanies was held under this tree
Additional marker:
In 1772, four years before the Declaration of Independence, settlers in the Watauga Valley adopted the “Articles of the Watauga Association,” possibly the first written constitution in North America. John Carter served as the first chairman not only of the association but also of the Watauga Court. This judicial body, probably the first English-speaking court west of the Alleghenies, met at this site.
Erected by John Carter Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1772.
Location. 36° 20.857′ N, 82° 12.735′ W. Marker is in Elizabethton, Tennessee, in Carter County. Marker is on South Riverside Drive north of Hattie Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 10, 2020
2. Additional First Court West of the Alleghenies Marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Covered Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Post Office (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); City of Elizabethton Bicentennial (about 500 feet away); Burgie Drug (about 500 feet away); Barnes Boring Hardware (about 500 feet away); Samuel Tipton (about 500 feet away); Betsy Walkway (about 500 feet away); Carter County Veterans Monument (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elizabethton.
Also see . . . Watauga Association. Tennessee Encyclopedia entry by the Tennessee Historical Society. (Submitted on October 14, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 10, 2020
3. First Court West of the Alleghenies Markers
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 10, 2020
4. First Court West of the Alleghenies Markers
Credits. This page was last revised on October 17, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 14, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 133 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 14, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
