Who did the Cherokee Fight with in the Revolutionary War?
The Cherokee Nation, one of the most prominent Native American tribes in the southern United States, played a significant role in the Revolutionary War. Contrary to popular belief, the Cherokee did not automatically side with the British or the American colonists. Instead, they fought both sides at various points throughout the war, often out of self-preservation and to protect their lands. In this article, we will explore who the Cherokee fought with, why they fought, and the implications of their actions.
Contents
- 1 **Cherokee Alliance with the British (1776-1779)**
- 2 **Cherokee Raiding Parties (1778-1780)**
- 3 **Cherokee Resistance to the American Invasion (1780-1781)**
- 4 **Treaty ofHopewell and the Chickamauga War (1782-1794)**
- 5 **Table: Chronology of the Cherokee Participation in the Revolutionary War
- 6 **Conclusion**
**Cherokee Alliance with the British (1776-1779)**
In 1776, the Cherokee signed a treaty with the British, committing to remain neutral in the war. This alliance was largely driven by the promise of British assistance in regaining control of their lost lands and stopping the influx of American settlers. The Treaty of Long Island (September 12, 1776) solidified the alliance, with the Cherokee agreeing to provide military assistance to the British in return for the protection of their lands and the restoration of their rights.
**Cherokee Raiding Parties (1778-1780)**
In the late summer of 1778, Cherokee raiding parties attacked several settlements in the region, particularly in what is now southern Tennessee and western North Carolina. These raids were authorized by the Cherokee leaders to punish the settlers for not respecting the borders of their lands and to drive back the American invasion. The Battle of Long Run (March 1780) saw a massive Cherokee force defeat a detachment of Continental Army troops under the command of Colonel Charles Christian Beard.
**Cherokee Resistance to the American Invasion (1780-1781)**
As American forces began to push further into Cherokee territory, the tribe fought against them at various locations. The Battle of Hanging Rock (November 1780) and The Battle of Cowpens (January 1781) were both significant defeats for the Americans, but they ultimately turned the tide in favor of the colonists. By the summer of 1781, the Cherokee realized that the war was all but lost and began secret negotiations with the Americans to sue for peace.
**Treaty ofHopewell and the Chickamauga War (1782-1794)**
On November 28, 1782, the Cherokee and American representatives signed the Treaty of Hopewell, which ceded significant Cherokee lands to the United States. However, this treaty was not honored by American settlers, leading to widespread resentment and rebellion among the Cherokee. The Chickamauga War (1782-1794) saw the Cherokee fight against both the Americans and the Chickamauga Indians, a band of hostile Creeks.
**Table: Chronology of the Cherokee Participation in the Revolutionary War
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| September 12, 1776 | The Treaty of Long Island, alliance between the Cherokee and British |
| 1778 | Cherokee raiding parties attack American settlements |
| November 1780 | Battle of Hanging Rock, defeat of American troops |
| January 1781 | Battle of Cowpens, defeat of American troops |
| November 1782 | Treaty of Hopewell, cession of Cherokee lands |
| 1782-1794 | Chickamauga War, conflict between the Cherokee and the Chickamauga Indians and American forces |
**Conclusion**
The Cherokee Nation fought on both sides of the Revolutionary War, driven by a desire to protect their lands and way of life. While they had initially aligned themselves with the British, they ultimately saw the need to negotiate a peace treaty with the Americans. The outcome of the war had a profound impact on the Cherokee Nation, leading to the cession of large tracts of land and the relocation of many tribe members.
Key Points:
- The Cherokee Nation signed a treaty with the British in 1776, committing to remain neutral in the war.
- Cherokee raiding parties attacked American settlements in 1778.
- The Battle of Long Run (1780) saw a massive Cherokee force defeat a detachment of Continental Army troops.
- The Treaty of Hopewell (1782) ceded significant Cherokee lands to the United States.
- The Chickamauga War (1782-1794) was a conflict between the Cherokee and both the Chickamauga Indians and American forces.
It is essential to remember the complex and nuanced history of the Cherokee Nation during the Revolutionary War, recognizing the tribe’s struggle for self-preservation and their enduring legacy in the region.
