I live in Knox County and research TN records. Everyone is correct in what they are writing. The original boundaries for NC ran along the present boundaries. They just did not stop until they reached the MS River. The first county for the area which was to become TN in 1796 was established by an Act of NC in 1777 and called Washington Co, NC. It encompassed the entire state. Deeds are in the archives of NC in Raleigh and also many of the early deeds can be found in the counties which were to become TN. They are registered as NC deeds and you may find them in the counties or in the TN archives in Nashville. You will find those early deeds in any of the counties formed before TN statehood. NC/TN (yes that is correct, both) Washington County, NC was created and still remains to this day as a TN county. It was never abolished completely. Part of its territory was divided into additional counties through the time of growth making a county seat more readily available when travel was difficult. This also compounds the problem for which you are seeking an answer. It was not necessary to file the deed in the county where it was located. You may find the deed located in several places. Unfortunately some of the East TN counties have had records destroyed due to fire and the Civil War. This is a challenge. East TN was part of NC, then the State of Franklin, back to NC, Territory Southwest of the River Ohio, and finally TN. Hope this helps with the history. I am sure there are some errors in my knowledge as well. Marilyn Moser Ball