The Watauga Association was an early form of self-government established in 1772 in the region that is now northeastern Tennessee. It was formed by settlers in the Watauga River area, who sought to create a system of laws and governance in response to the lack of authority from colonial governments. The association is notable for its democratic principles and its role in the development of local governance in the American frontier. The Watauga Association is often considered a precursor to the state of Tennessee and influenced later governance structures. It operated under a set of rules known as the Watauga Compact, which emphasized individual rights and community decision-making. The association played a significant role in the settlement and organization of the region during a time of rapid expansion in the American colonies.