Cleveland in Bradley County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Red Clay Council Grounds
1832 - 1838
Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, March 28, 2026
1. Red Clay Council Grounds Marker
Here was the capital and last council ground of the Cherokee Nation in the east. At a full council held in October, 1835, a proposed treaty with the United States providing for the removal of the Cherokee to the Indian Territory, now Oklahoma was overwhelmingly rejected. John Howard Payne, author of "Home, Sweet Home" and a champion of Indian rights attended the council, which was also attended by a number of prominent United States and Cherokee officials. The council house stood just east of the the Great Council Spring.
Brigadier General John E. Wool and his detachment of troops camped at a large spring about one-fourth mile east while observing meetings of the Cherokees in council.
Four miles northeast at Flint Springs was the last home in the east of John Ross, principal chief of the Cherokee Nation.
Twenty-five miles from here on highway 411 south of Benton is the grave of Nancy Ward, a "beloved woman" of the Cherokee.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Indigenous Peoples and Communities.
Location. 34° 59.612′ N, 84° 56.809′ W.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in East Tennessee. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds 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 marker: Eternal Flame of the Cherokee Nation (within shouting distance of this marker); The Eternal Flame (within shouting distance of this marker); The Great Council Spring (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Red Clay Council (about 300 feet away); The Cherokee Today
Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, March 28, 2026
2. Red Clay Council Grounds Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on April 15, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 9, 2026, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 10, 2026, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
