Note 103 — JOURNAL OF ANDRÉ MICHAUX

Nashville was founded by James Robertson, who in 1779 came overland from the settlements of Eastern Tennessee. Donelson’s party, which went via the rivers, did not arrive until April of the following year. Being beyond the jurisdiction of any state, the settlers drew up a compact under which they lived until the organization (1783) of Davidson County as a part of North Carolina. The town, named for the patriot General Nash, was until 1784 called Nashborough. Nashville was incorporated in 1806. The legislature met at this city in 1812-16 and after 1826, but the city was not made the permanent capital until 1843.—​Ed.