The issue of secession was argued prior to the outbreak of the Civil War. Which area of Tennessee attempted to create an independent state in the Union in order to avoid secession?

The area of Tennessee that attempted to create an independent state in the Union to avoid secession was known as East Tennessee. This region, which had significant Unionist sentiments, sought to establish itself as the "State of Frankland" or "State of East Tennessee" during the pre-Civil War tensions. The proposal aimed to remain loyal to the Union while distancing itself from the Confederate-aligned state government in Nashville. Ultimately, these efforts did not succeed, and East Tennessee remained part of Tennessee during the war.