News Release

Why Follow John Ross?

Date: November 23, 2022
Contact: Kim Coons, 706-866-9241, ext. 139

Fort Oglethorpe, GA: On Saturday, December 10, at 2 pm, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park will provide a special 30-minute program about John Ross and why he was chosen Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. This program will take place at the John Ross House (200 E. Lake Ave., Rossville GA 30741). Participants are encouraged to dress appropriate for the weather, and folding chairs are also encouraged for the program.

Many who live in the surrounding community are familiar with the name John Ross and that he was “chief” of the Cherokee Nation during Indian Removal. Ross was only one-eighth Cherokee by blood, leading one to wonder why so many Cherokees chose John Ross, someone who could have passed as a “white-man,” as their chief and were willing to followed him for years, especially through some of the darkest days in Cherokee history. Come learn more about Principal Chief John Ross and his passion for his people.

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.