Tennessee history stories

Preface

It is now admitted that no history is of so much importance to children as that of their own State and country. They cannot well have too much information about either of these subjects, and in order to arouse the interest of the children of Tennessee in the history of their State, this book has been prepared.

^o State has a history of more absorbing interest than Tennessee. Her people were among the first settlers west of the Alleghanies, and for this reason she bore in early times a unique relation to the rest of the country. Her sons struck a decisive blow for American liberty at King's Mountain. She was one of the first three States admitted to the Union. Moreover, she has always borne a prominent part in the affairs of the nation, and her soldiers and statesmen have been among its leaders. Her population has been made up mainly of plain people. She has developed less of the aristocratic element, perhaps, than any other State in the South. Hence, it is appropriate that these stories should be largely about the people — their customs, manners, and ways of living, especially in early times.

The correct methods of using this book will suggest themselves to every intelligent teacher. It may serve the purpose of a primary history of the State; or it may be used as a supplementary reader in the upper primary grades. After reading a story, the pupil should be required to repeat it orally or in written forni. All campaigns, expeditions, and voyages should be traced on the map. As the lessons proceed, it would be well to have the pupil fill out a skeleton map with all places mentioned in the stories.

For my materials I am. of course, much indebted to the various writers of Tennessee history. To give credit in each case would be impracticable in a work of this character.

The book is now submitted to the teachers of the State with the hope that it may prove a useful and efficient instrument in disseminating a broader and better knowledge of Tennessee history and Tennessee people.

T. C. K.

Contents

PAGE

A Look at the Land 9

The First Inhabitants u