In Their Mocassins: The Cherokee Journey of Change
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Cherokee Timeline
1540
Hernando De Soto makes contact with Cherokee (first European contact).
1629
Trading between Cherokees and English settlements begin.
1673
Firearms introduced to Cherokees. They began to capture and
sell black slaves in order to obtain guns and ammunition.
1697
First smallpox epidemic among Cherokees.
1738
Smallpox kills 25-50% of Cherokee population.
1755
Cherokees move into Northern Georgia after battle with Creeks. Previously the Cherokee did not live in Georgia.
1762
Cherokee delegation (3 leaders) meets with King George III.
Myth or Fact?: Their clothing was thought to be too severe for the king’s eyes, so royal ministers dressed the Cherokee
in clothing left from a delegation from the country of India. The turban head dress was brought back to the Cherokees
and became a popular fashion trend.
1776-83
American Revolution: Cherokees/Creeks side with British.
In revenge, colonists invade Indian Territory – destroy crops, villages,
leave Cherokee starving and in a weak position.
1796
President Washington initiates “civilization” program encouraging
missions to Christianize Cherokees, but treats tribes as sovereign.
1802
U.S. and Georgia enter into compact to attain Indian land within Georgia once Indians are gone.
1804
Moravians establish mission and boarding schools to civilize Cherokees. Cherokee James Vann donated land for the
mission and invited the Moravians. Some Cherokees foresaw an inevitable change and sent children to learn new ways.
1808
New Cherokee laws reflect changing values. For example,
Cherokee Nation passed the first law establishing a police force
and enabling men to bequeath property after death.
1810
Cherokees outlaw vengeance killing by individuals. From now on this
type of punishment will only be ordered by the government. This shows
increased unity rather than clan/village independence.
1813-14
Creek War: Cherokees help U.S. Government, and Lower Creeks
fight “Redstick” prophets who were against assimilation.
The Creeks lose 25 million acres of land to U.S. Government.
In Their Mocassins: The Cherokee Journey of Change
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1817
Cherokees exchange eastern lands for territory in Arkansas. Some Cherokees move to Arkansas. When the state of
Arkansas is established, these Cherokees are forced to move to Indian Territory (current day Oklahoma). These people
are known as the “Old Settlers.” Cherokees form the first National Council to consolidate political authority after the
U.S. government had negotiated treaties with various factions of the tribe.
1819
Cherokees exchange more eastern land for territory in West.
They vowed this would be the last land cession!
1821
Sequoyah introduces Cherokee syllabary, which
is the first written language for the Cherokee.
1825
Cherokee Nation passes a law that children born to Cherokee fathers and
white mothers were “entitled to all the immunities and privileges enjoyed
by citizens descending from the Cherokee race, by the mother’s side.”
The law coincided with the marriages of John Ridge and Elias Boudinot to
white women. This law contradicted thousands of years of Cherokee
matrilineal custom.
1826
Creeks cede last land in Georgia.
1828
Cherokees ratify their own Constitution. It is made up of
three branches of government like U.S. This shows
assimilation, but also Cherokee nationalism.
John Ross elected Principal Chief. Ross rose to high office
early in his life due to his ability to speak English and
negotiate with the U.S. government. Although only 1/8
Cherokee, his people saw him as a hope for the future
of the nation.
Andrew Jackson elected president.
Cherokee Phoenix begins publication in New Echota, GA.
Arkansas Cherokees relocate to Indian territory in
would-be Oklahoma.
Gold is discovered in Dahlonega (in Cherokee territory).
Georgia government nullifies Cherokee law, suspends elections, etc.
1830
Indian Removal Act is passed. Georgia begins allocating Cherokee
land to white settlers through a lottery system.
1832
Worcester v. Georgia: Supreme Court upholds Cherokee sovereignty in
Georgia. John Ross and others now have hope that the Indian Removal
Act will not be enforced.
1835
Treaty of New Echota signed by The Treaty Party (led by John and Major Ridge), which provides for the removal of all
Cherokees to lands in present-day Oklahoma in exchange for $5 million dollars. The Treaty Party did not represent the
wishes of the majority of Cherokees or John Ross. The Ridges had no authority to sign it,
yet the U.S. Government still viewed it as a valid document.
Georgia Guard destroys the Cherokee Phoenix printing press in New Echota.
In Their Mocassins: The Cherokee Journey of Change
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1836
Martin Van Buren elected president and
continues with Indian removal.
1836-1837
Creek Indian removal.
1838 (Early May)
Petition against removal, with 15,665 Cherokee signatures, is
presented to the U.S. Senate by John Ross. It was never read.
1838-1839 (May 23, 1838 Deadline)
Trail of Tears begins – Cherokee removal.
1861-1865
Cherokees fight on both sides of the Civil War and
sustain heavy losses.
1893
Cherokee Nation is dissolved by the U.S. Government. The Dawes Rolls are created.
In order to dissolve Indian reservations in Oklahoma, each Indian was to be
allotted a certain amount of private land. The list created by this process became
the basis for Cherokee citizenship, and still is today. Freedman (former slaves who
lived with Cherokee) were recorded on the roles as well.
1934
FDR creates “New Deal” for Indians and allows India
nations to reform governments.
2007
Cherokee Nation passed Constitutional amendment
excluding the Freedmen from Cherokee citizenship.
2009
President Obama issues apology
to Native Americans for removal.
2011
Cherokee tribal district court rules that the
Freedmen did have rights to citizenship.
The case is still in the appeals process.