Read the history of USA at the time the Cumberland Gap was crossed. There was much political argument on who owned what land, TN was claimed by VA. There were many from NC who settled in those areas before statehood of IL, TN, KY. There is a book with a title similar to "The Settlements of the SW USA. It does not refer to the US Western states. I found the book on line, do not recall but that I was researching NC at the time. Sincerely Beth not trying to catch up, beginning where I am