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 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. It is on South Riverside Drive north of Hattie Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 198 South Riverside Drive, Elizabethton TN 37643, United
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in East Tennessee and in the Tri-Cities Area. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, the State of Franklin, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Covered Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); Banks Law Office (about 300 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); Hunter Cottage (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elizabethton.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Old Post Office (was
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 10, 2020
2. Additional First Court West of the Alleghenies Marker
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 642 times since then and 55 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.
