Newton Knight, the main character portrayed by Matthew McConaughey, was indeed a real person who organized a group of deserters, former slaves, and local poor white farmers in Jones County. They formed a community that resisted the Confederate government and declared their own "Free State of Jones." Knight and his followers waged guerilla warfare against the Confederacy and sought to create a more egalitarian society, including advocating for racial equality and freeing enslaved people.
The events depicted in the film, such as the formation of the Free State of Jones, Knight's conflicts with Confederate authorities, and his efforts to establish an interracial community, have historical basis. However, the movie condenses and dramatizes these events for cinematic purposes and portrays characters and relationships in a simplified and fictionalized manner.
Overall, while "Free State of Jones" is not a fully accurate historical account, it does touch on real and significant events that took place in Jones County during the Civil War era. It sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of American history and highlights the efforts of individuals like Newton Knight in challenging conventional norms and fighting for social change.