The building of the Watauga commonwealth by Robertson and Sevier gave a base of operations, and furnished a model for similar communities to follow.

Lord Dunmore's war made the actual settlement possible, for it cowed the northern Indians, and restrained them from seriously molesting Kentucky during its first and most feeble years.

Henderson and Boon made their great treaty with the Cherokees in 1775, and then established a permanent colony far beyond all previous settlements, entering into final possession of the new country.

The victory over the Cherokees in 1776 made safe the line of communication along the Wilderness road, and secured the chance for further expansion.

Clark's campaigns gained the Illinois, or northwestern regions.