Moments in time - Aug. 6, 2009

The History Channel

• On Aug. 23, 1784, four counties in western North Carolina declare their independence as the state of Franklin. In defiance of Congress, Franklin survived as an independent nation for four years with its own constitution, Indian treaties and legislated system of barter in lieu of currency.

• On Aug. 21, 1903, America’s first transcontinental auto race, stretching from New York City to San Francisco, is completed. The race was finished by Tom Fetch and M.C. Karrup in two Model F Packards, which traveled an average of 80 miles per day for 51 days.

• On Aug. 20, 1911, a dispa...