Rome in Floyd County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Chieftains
Photographed By David Seibert, October 29, 2007
1. Chieftains Marker
At this house’s core is the 1790s log home of Major Ridge (c.1771-1839), a leader in the Cherokee Nation. His 223-acre plantation supported numerous outbuildings, orchards and slaves while the family served as ferryboat operators and merchants. It was here the council negotiated the Treaty of New Echota in 1835, which promised the Cherokees land compensation for voluntarily moving to Oklahoma. Their forced removal became known as the "Trail of Tears." Ridge knew death was imminent for selling tribal lands but believed the treaty to be the only means to save his people. He, his son, and nephew were murdered in 1839.
Erected 2000 by Georgia Historical Society and Chieftains Museum, Inc. (Marker Number 57-1.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans • Notable Buildings • War of 1812. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society, the National Historic Landmarks, and the Trail of Tears series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1835.
Location. 34° 16.617′ N, 85° 10.215′ W. Marker is in Rome, Georgia, in Floyd County. Marker is at the intersection of Riverside Parkway and Riverside Industrial Park, NE, on the left when traveling
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Major Ridge (here, next to this marker); Original Cabin (approx. 0.6 miles away); Martha Berry’s Birthplace (approx. 0.7 miles away); Cotton Gin (approx. 1.1 miles away); De Soto In Georgia (approx. 1.1 miles away); Federal Occupation of Rome (approx. 1.1 miles away); French’s Div. at Rome (approx. 1.1 miles away); Davis’ March to Rome (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rome.
Regarding Chieftains. Ridge, the English translation of his Cherokee name, fought with General Andrew Jackson in the War of 1812, where he was awarded the rank of major.
"Chieftains" is open as a museum.
Also see . . .
1. Major Ridge (ca. 1771-1839). New Georgia Encyclopedia website entry (Submitted on January 2, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia.)
2. Chieftains Museum/Major Ridge Home. Photos of the house and grounds. (Submitted on January 5, 2009, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.)
Photographed By David Seibert, October 29, 2007
2. Chieftains Museum
The "Major Ridge" plaque is the plaque on the stone in front of the house, visible in this photo. See nearby markers for more information.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 26, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 30, 2008, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,783 times since then and 38 times this year. Last updated on January 2, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 30, 2008, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
