Riverfront in Chattanooga in Hamilton County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

1790 John Ross 1866

Photographed by Sandra Hughes, September 27, 2010

1. 1790 John Ross 1866 Marker

Inscription. John Ross was the grandson of John McDonald and the son of Daniel Ross natives of Scotland and partners in a trading post established at Ross’s Landing. He dedicated himself to the education of the Cherokee Nation. JOHN ROSS is called the greatest of the Cherokee chiefs, although only one–eighth Cherokee. He served as principal chief from 1828-1866.

He fought against the removal of the Cherokees from this region, ultimately leading them on the Trail of Tears journey to Oklahoma in 1838.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Indigenous Peoples and Communities. In addition, it is included in the Trail of Tears series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1838.

Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 35° 3.387′ N, 85° 18.681′ W. Marker was in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in Hamilton County. It was in Riverfront. It could be reached from Riverfront Parkway. Located along the Chattanooga River walk near the Tennessee River, a few feet from Ross's Landing Marker. Just off Riverfront Parkway across the highway from the Tennessee Aquarium. Touch for map. Marker

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was in this post office area: Chattanooga TN 37401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker was in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it was in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it found itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Chattanooga's First Citizens (here, next to this marker); Tennessee Valley Authority (here, next to this marker); Flooding Along the Tennessee River (a few steps from this marker); Ross's Landing (within shouting distance of this marker); "Cherokee" (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Ross's Landing (about 300 feet away); Trail of Tears (about 400 feet away); Stickball / Seven Sisters (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chattanooga.

Also see . . . John Ross Wikipedia Entry.

Photographed by Sandra Hughes, September 27, 2010

2. 1790 John Ross 1866 Marker

“In 1819, the Council sent Ross to Washington again. He was assuming a larger role among the leadership. The purpose of the delegation was to clarify the provisions of the Treaty of 1817. The delegation had to negotiate the limits of the ceded land and hope to clarify the Cherokee’s right to the remaining land. John C. Calhoun, the Secretary of War, pressed Ross to cede large tracts of land in Tennessee and Georgia. Such pressure from the US government would continue and intensify. In October 1822, Calhoun requested that the Cherokee relinquish their land claimed by Georgia, in fulfillment of the United States’ obligation under the Compact of 1802. Before responding to Calhoun’s proposition, Ross first ascertained the sentiment of the Cherokee people. They were unanimously opposed to cession of land.

“In January 1824, Ross traveled to Washington to defend the Cherokees’ possession of their land. Calhoun offered two solutions to the Cherokee delegation: either relinquish title to their lands and remove west, or accept denationalization and become citizens of the United States. Rather than accept Calhoun’s ultimatum, Ross

Photographed by Sandra Hughes, September 27, 2010

3. 1790 John Ross 1866 Marker

made a bold departure from previous negotiations. He pressed the Nation’s complaints. On April 15, 1824, Ross took the dramatic step of directly petitioning Congress. This fundamentally altered the traditional relationship between an Indian nation and the US government.” (Submitted on October 17, 2010, by Tom Gillard of Tullahoma, Tennessee.)

Tennessee River image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sandra Hughes, September 27, 2010

4. Tennessee River

Photographed by Dale K. Benington, August 6, 2014

5. 1790 John Ross 1866 Marker

View of the marker, looking east along Riverfront Parkway.

Chief John Ross (Guwisguwi) (b1790, d1866) image. Click for full size.

Wikimedia Commons Collection, 1843

6. Chief John Ross (Guwisguwi) (b1790, d1866)

Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division LC-USZC4-3156

Credits. This page was last revised on August 12, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 29, 2010, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 1,494 times since then and 46 times this year. Last updated on January 1, 2024, by Amanda Zimmer of Atlanta, Georgia. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 29, 2010, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. 5. submitted on June 10, 2015, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. 6. submitted on December 17, 2010, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.