Near Birchwood in Meigs County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

"Chains of Friendship"

Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, January 2, 2011

1. "Chains of Friendship" Marker

Inscription. The Cherokee people made their homes in the river valleys that spread out of the southern Appalachian Mountains. They claimed a domain that stretched across present-day North and South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama. They also claimed hunting grounds in present day Virginia and Kentucky.

Sustained contact and trade with English colonist beginning in about 1700 brought many changes to the Cherokee. Cherokee hunters supplied English traders with thousands of deerskins and slaves who had been captured in warfare. English traders supplied the Cherokee with a vast array of commodities such as guns, metal knives, hoes, fabrics, kettles, rum, and jewelry.

In 1721, the Cherokee and English attempted to regulate the trade and make clear boundaries between the two powers. The agreement included a cession of land. This first agreement set a pattern of relations between the two powers.

"Between 1721 and 1838 thirty-six separate treaties - often achieved through English and later American deceit and force - gave over, bit by bit the Cherokee homeland."

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers • Wars, US Indian. In addition, it is included in the Trail of Tears series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1700.

Location.

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35° 24.423′ N, 85° 0.383′ W. Marker is near Birchwood, Tennessee, in Meigs County. Marker can be reached from Blythe Ferry Road, 2 miles north of Hiwassee Highway (Route 60), on the right when traveling north. Marker is located in the Cherokee Removal Memorial Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Birchwood TN 37308, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. "Orders No. 25" (here, next to this marker); "To Learn and not Forget" (here, next to this marker); "Your Fate is Decided" (here, next to this marker); "Given by the Great Spirit above" (here, next to this marker); "A Desire to Possess" (here, next to this marker); "Not a treaty at all" (here, next to this marker); "Forced from this country" (here, next to this marker); "They drove us out of our house" (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Birchwood.

Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, January 2, 2011

2. "Chains of Friendship" Marker

In 1762, a group of Cherokee leaders traveled to London to meet the King of England. This drawing made during the trip provides a rare glimpse of mid-eighteenth century Cherokees.

Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, January 2, 2011

3. "Chains of Friendship" Marker

On the left in this view.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on January 6, 2011, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. This page has been viewed 604 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 6, 2011, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.