State of Scott facts for kids

The State of Scott was a special name given to Scott County, Tennessee. In 1861, just before the American Civil War began, the state of Tennessee decided to leave the United States and join the Confederacy. But the people of Scott County wanted to stay with the United States (the Union). So, they declared themselves a "Free and Independent State."

Quick facts for kids Free and Independent State of Scott
Unrecognized territorial enclave of the United States
1861–1986
Flag
Scott County in 1861
Capital	Huntsville, Tennessee
• Type	Organized unrecognized State
History
• Secession from Tennessee	1861
• Proposed by Senator Andrew Johnson	June 4, 1861
• Tennessee secedes from Union	June 8, 1861
• Symbolic re-integration into the State of Tennessee	1986
Preceded by Succeeded by United States Tennessee United States Tennessee

Like many parts of East Tennessee, Scott County became an area loyal to the Union during the war. An "enclave" is a small area completely surrounded by a different territory. Even though its declaration was never officially recognized, Scott County did not officially take back its act of leaving Tennessee until 1986.

Why Scott County Stayed with the Union

At the time Tennessee left the Union, Scott County had very few enslaved people. It was one of only two counties in the whole state with fewer than 100 enslaved people. Tennessee was the last state to leave the Union. This was partly because of big differences between the state's three main areas: East, Middle, and West Tennessee.

East Tennessee's Views

East Tennessee, where Scott County is located, did not rely on slavery as much as Middle and West Tennessee. Because of this, people in East Tennessee had little reason to fight a war to keep slavery. Most people there wanted the United States to stay together. They also wanted less government control over their lives. They often disagreed with the wealthy business owners and plantation owners in other parts of the state. These powerful people had a lot of political and economic control over all of Tennessee.

How the State of Scott Was Formed

On June 8, 1861, Senator Andrew Johnson gave a speech in Huntsville, Tennessee. He was a Democrat and even owned enslaved people himself. He said that those who wanted to leave the Union were not afraid of people from the North, but rather of "free men of the South."

The Vote Against Secession

Just four days later, the people of Scott County voted strongly against Tennessee leaving the Union. The vote was 541 to 19. Later that year, the county court officially approved a plan to leave Tennessee. This plan created the "Independent State of Scott." This area remained very loyal to the Union throughout and after the war.

Fighting in the Area

Scott County is in the mountains and was somewhat isolated. Because of this, it was not a major battleground during the Civil War.

The Battle of Huntsville

One small battle, called the Battle of Huntsville, happened on August 13, 1862. Union commander Colonel William Clift faced about 2,000 enemy troops. Many of his own soldiers had left or were lost in battle. He had to retreat into the woods with only about 20 men left.

Guerrilla Warfare

After this battle, Clift's group became a guerrilla unit. This means they fought in small, surprise attacks. The area continued to suffer from this type of fighting. There were also many small fights and ambushes, often between neighbors. These fights were very violent. However, many men from Scott County volunteered to join the Union's 7th Regiment Tennessee Volunteer Infantry.

What Happened Later

After the war, Ulysses S. Grant was very popular in Scott County. He received over 90% of the votes there in both the 1868 and 1872 presidential elections. Scott County has remained strongly supportive of the Republican Party and the Union ever since.

Ending the Secession

Scott County finally officially ended its declaration of secession in 1986. At the same time, the county asked the state of Tennessee to let them rejoin. This was granted in a special ceremony. Even though Tennessee and the United States had never officially recognized Scott County's secession, it was a symbolic moment.

Roadside Marker

Today, you can find a special sign on State Route 63, near the county seat of Huntsville, Tennessee. It tells the story:

United States Senator Andrew Johnson delivered a speech at the Courthouse at Huntsville on June 4, 1861 against separation. At the election four days later Scott County voted against separation by the largest percentage margin of any county in Tennessee. Later that year in defiance of the state's action of secession, the county court by resolution seceded from the state and formed the Free and Independent State of Scott.