Robertson, James (1742–1814), a United States pioneer who was called the “Father of Tennessee.” In 1771 he established a colony in eastern Tennessee, one of the settlements on the Watauga River that formed the nucleus of the future state. In 1779 he led a party of settlers westward to what is now Nashville. For many years, Robertson acted as an Indian agent and was noted for his wise and fair dealings with the Indians. He also served as a brigadier general of militia and a state senator. Robertson was born in Brunswick County, Virginia.