Better be careful on talking about the "Free State of Winston"...Mr. Pitts has a very nice pictoral answer to that question... a very lonely and isolated area was Winston County.

Since you brought up Winston, it reminds me of a Union "pilot or scout" there named Bill Looney. He would guide folks to Federal lines. A brave man Mr. Looney but one of those shoot first and ask questions later type. There's a story...true or false, I can't say for sure...that after the war Bill Looney killed an ex-Confederate soldier named Bill Early, well some nights later Mr. Looney wakes up to see five white robed and hooded men standing by his bed. Looney looks at them and says.Where you boys from?. The nearest one says. Straight from Hell. Mr. Looney reaches under his pillow and draws out his pistol. Did you see ole Bill Early there? I sent him there several days ago says Mr. Looney. Exit stage right go the gentlemen of the night, not to pay Mr. Looney anymore visits.