What was the watauga association and what did it do?

The Watauga Association was an early form of self-governance established in 1772 by settlers in the Watauga Valley, located in present-day Tennessee. It functioned as a quasi-governmental body, creating its own laws and courts to manage local affairs, particularly in response to conflicts with Native Americans and the lack of colonial authority in the region. The Association is notable for its role in laying the groundwork for future governance in the area and for advocating for the rights of settlers against British colonial policies. It ultimately contributed to the establishment of the State of Franklin, an early attempt at statehood.