13 Facts About Southwest Territory

The Southwest Territory was created by the Southwest Ordinance from lands of the Washington District that had been ceded to the U S federal government by North Carolina.

Establishment of the Southwest Territory followed a series of efforts by North Carolina's trans-Appalachian residents to form a separate political entity, initially with the Watauga Association, and later with the failed State of Franklin.

Southwest Territory appointed Daniel Smith the territory's Secretary, and named two of the territory's three judges, John McNairy and David Campbell .

Southwest Territory then moved to the new territory, where he set up a temporary capital at Rocky Mount, the home of William Cobb in Sullivan County.

Southwest Territory recruited North Carolina publisher George Roulstone to establish a newspaper, the Knoxville Gazette .

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Southwest Territory therefore chose James White's Fort, an outpost located further upstream along the Tennessee.

Residents of the Southwest Territory initially welcomed federal control, believing the federal government would provide better protection from hostile Indians than North Carolina's distant government to the east.

Southwest Territory was assisted by the Secretary, appointed by the President.

Southwest Territory recommended candidates for brigadier general to the President, and appointed lower militia officers.

Legislative power in the Southwest Territory initially rested with the governor, who consulted with the three territorial judges on new laws.

In 1794, the Southwest Territory's assembly chose Dr James White as its non-voting representative to Congress.

The Southwest Territory was the first U S territory to exercise this power, and White's efforts in Congress set a precedent for future territorial delegates.

Courts of the Southwest Territory were generally more highly regarded than other branches of government.