During his first three terms as Governor of Tennessee from 1796 to 1801, John Sevier had a home on the north side of the Nolichucky River that he called Plum Grove. He purchased the property from John Clark, Sr. Sevier braced the doors and cut portholes for temporary defense in the event of an attack. Because of his association with the river, Sevier was given the nickname “Nolichucky Jack.”