James White (Southwest Territory politician)

James White (1749 – 1809) was an American lawyer, politician, and surveyor who played a prominent role in the early development of Tennessee. He is best known for founding Knoxville, Tennessee, which he named after Secretary of War Henry Knox.

Born in Rowan County, North Carolina, White received a legal education and served in the North Carolina militia during the American Revolutionary War, achieving the rank of captain. After the war, he became involved in land speculation and surveying, which led him to the area that would become East Tennessee.

In 1786, White established White's Fort on land he had acquired, along the Holston River. This settlement served as a strategic outpost and quickly grew, becoming the nucleus of Knoxville. White donated land for the establishment of a courthouse and other public buildings, solidifying Knoxville's position as the county seat.

White was appointed as a judge for the Territory South of the River Ohio (Southwest Territory) by President George Washington in 1791. He also served as a member of the territorial legislature. As a politician, he was a strong advocate for the interests of the settlers in the region.

Following Tennessee's admission to the Union in 1796, White continued to be involved in public life. He served as a commissioner for the treaty of Tellico in 1798, which negotiated land cessions from the Cherokee. He also held various local offices and remained a prominent figure in Knoxville until his death in 1809. His legacy endures through the city he founded and his contributions to the early political and economic development of Tennessee.