News Release

Fall of the House of the Ridge: A Cherokee Tragedy

Date: February 9, 2024
Contact: Kim Coons, 706-866-9241, ext. 139

Fort Oglethorpe, GA:  On Saturday, February 24, at 2 pm, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park will present a special 30-minute ranger led talk about Major Ridge and his family during the era of Cherokee Removal. This program will be conducted on Moccasin Bend, at 10 Hamm Road, Chattanooga, TN. Please bring a folding chair and dress appropriately for weather conditions.

The story of the Ridges is one of many tragedies that took place during Cherokee Removal and one that culminated in the highest prices paid for what they thought to be the best path for their people. Major Ridge rose to prominence among the Cherokee in the early part of the 19th century and went from being a mentor to John Ross to one of his most outspoken critics.  

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.