16 Facts About Archibald Roane

Archibald Roane was the second Governor of Tennessee, serving from 1801 to 1803.

Archibald Roane won the office after the state's first governor, John Sevier, was prevented by constitutional restrictions from seeking a fourth consecutive term.

Archibald Roane quickly became caught up in the growing rivalry between Sevier and Andrew Jackson, and was soundly defeated by Sevier after just one term.

Archibald Roane was born in 1759 or 1760 in Derry Township in the Province of Pennsylvania.

Archibald Roane was the son of Andrew and Margaret Walker Roane.

Shortly after his marriage in 1788, Archibald Roane moved to Jonesborough, Tennessee, then still a part of North Carolina, where he was admitted to the bar and began the practice of law.

In 1801, Governor John Sevier had reached the limit of three consecutive terms allowed as governor under the state constitution, and Archibald Roane ran virtually unopposed to become his successor.

Archibald Roane signed anti-fraud measures, a law outlawing dueling, and a law prohibiting the disturbance of public worship.

Archibald Roane coordinated efforts to begin construction of the Natchez Trace, convincing Secretary of War Henry Dearborn to construct inns and military posts along the road, and provide rewards for the apprehension of bandits who harassed Natchez travellers.

Archibald Roane appointed a commission that successfully resolved a boundary dispute with Virginia.

In October 1802, Spain revoked American access to the critical port of New Orleans following the port's transfer to France, and Archibald Roane, acting on orders from President Jefferson, prepared the state militia for possible armed conflict.

In 1811, Archibald Roane was elected to a circuit judgeship, and in 1815, he became a judge on the Tennessee Supreme Court of Errors and Appeals, which had replaced the Superior Court of Law and Equity as the state's highest court in 1809.

Archibald Roane served on that court until his death on January 18,1819.

Archibald Roane was a promoter of institutions of higher learning until his death, serving as a trustee of Blount College, Greeneville College, and Washington College.

Archibald Roane is buried at Pleasant Forest Cemetery in Farragut, Tennessee.

Archibald Roane's wife, Ann, was a sister of Colonel Arthur Campbell and Judge David Campbell, an aunt of Governor David Campbell of Virginia, and a great-aunt of future Tennessee governor William B Campbell.