News Release

The Answer to Illegal Settlement on Cherokee Land

Date: November 18, 2022
Contact: Kim Coons, 706-866-9241, ext. 139

Fort Oglethorpe, GA: On Saturday, December 3, at 2 pm, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park will provide a special 30-minute program about the use of the Cherokee Light Horse as a measure to answer the issue of illegal settlement on Cherokee land. This program will take place at Moccasin Bend National Archeological District’s Gateway Site (10 Hamm Road, Chattanooga, TN 37405). Participants are encouraged to dress appropriate for the weather, and folding chairs are also encouraged for the program. 

On June 19, 1820, John Ross penned a letter to General Andrew Jackson, who had authority over military affairs in the South, asking him to provide support for the removal of white settlers illegally living south of the Tennessee River and north of Ross’ home. The illegal inhabitants ignored a January 1 deadline to depart, and now, it was time to face consequences. However, Jackson was unwilling to assist because his troops were involved in removing shrubs for a new military road being constructing through Tennessee. This meant the Cherokees had to employ their own force to remove the illegal settlers, and that force came in the form of the Cherokee Light Horse. What was the Cherokee Light Horse’s mission? Why were settlers crossing the Tennessee River to illegally squat on Cherokee land? We invite you to join us as we explore these questions related to the scene unfolding in the summer of 1820 between present-day Chattanooga, TN, and Rossville, GA. 

For more information about programs at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, contact the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center at 706-866-9241, the Lookout Mountain Battlefield Visitor Center at 423-821-7786, or visit the park website at www.nps.gov/chch.