A story of hope, courage, and survival spanning 300 years across a vast continent.
Focus on the Cherokee Nation and their interactions with American settlers and government.
Rich and complex history seen through native eyes.
Key Historical Figures
The Ridge
Canong de Claguet (The Ridge): Born 1771, a leader who sought peaceful coexistence with Americans.
Made hard bargains with the U.S. for Cherokee safety and land.
John Ross
Chief John Ross: Grew up amidst emerging new world of white settlers and Indians.
Key leader, blending traditional Cherokee ways with English education.
Advocated for Cherokee sovereignty and land rights.
John Ridge
John Ridge: Son of Major Ridge; educated among whites and became a significant leader.
Married Sarah Bird Northrup, signaling hope for coexistence.
Sequoyah
Created Cherokee syllabary, making the nation literate.
Enabled preservation of culture and history through written language.
Cherokee Nation's Struggles and Adaptations
Early Encounters and Conflicts
Cherokee Nation initially chose the wrong side in the American Revolution, resulting in significant losses.
1805: Cherokee population dwindled, lost significant land.
Continued to face American encroachment despite signed peace treaties.
Adaptation to Anglo-American Ways
U.S. policy of “civilization”: Missionary efforts to teach Anglo-American ways (farming, language, religion).
Cherokees who adopted these ways could be seen as political and social equals.
Cherokee Government and Sovereignty
Formed a strong central government to resist U.S. land claims.
New Cherokee Constitution mirrored the U.S. government structure (executive, legislative, judicial branches).
Major Ridge and John Ross played crucial roles in defending Cherokee sovereignty.
Increasing Tensions and the Treaty of New Echota
Andrew Jackson's Presidency (1829): Advocated for Indian removal, leading to the Indian Removal Act.
Treaty of New Echota (1835): Signed by the Ridge faction without full tribal consent; ceded all Cherokee lands east of the Mississippi in exchange for funds and land in the west.
Ratification of this treaty led to dissent within the tribe and set the stage for the Trail of Tears.
The Trail of Tears
Forced Removal and Hardship
Federal troops began removal in 1838 after the Cherokee petition to resist the Treaty of New Echota was ignored.
Cherokees were forcibly marched west in terrible conditions; significant loss of life (around 4,000 people).
Internal Cherokee Conflict
Ridge faction accused of betrayal, leading to violent reprisals within the Cherokee community.
Aftermath and Legacy
John Ross’s Leadership
Post-removal: Ross worked to rebuild and restore the Cherokee Nation in the west.
By 1860, Cherokee Nation reconstituted with a strong government and flourishing society.
Long-term Consequences
Continued federal encroachments after the Civil War.
John Ross passed in 1866, leaving a legacy of resilience and sovereignty.
Cultural Continuity and Preservation
Cherokees maintained strong cultural ties to their heritage despite removal and hardships.
Cherokee writer Scott Momaday speaks to the enduring memory and resilience of the Cherokee people.
Funding and Production Credits
Produced by American Experience with funding from organizations like Liberty Mutual, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, and others.