Discovering George Washington's Promise to the Cherokee
Updated: Oct 9
In my research for the Cherokee Trilogy, I have uncovered enlightening information about Cherokee history. One significant discovery focused on George Washington, the first president of the United States. He made a promise to the Cherokee that remains one of the most explicit ever made to them.
The Treaty of Holston: A Broken Promise
The Treaty of Holston, signed on July 2, 1791, established a boundary for the Cherokee Nation. Article IV defined this boundary from Currahee Mountain to the Tugaloo, across the Holston, and up the Clinch to Cumberland Mountain, then down toward Duck River. This boundary was to be marked by three commissioners from each nation.
Article VII states plainly: "The United States solemnly guarantees to the Cherokee nation all their lands not hereby ceded." This guarantee was meant to protect Cherokee lands from encroachment.
Article VIII declared that any non-Indian who settled on Cherokee land forfeited the protection of the United States. They could be punished by the Cherokee as they saw fit. Article IX barred citizens from hunting or entering Cherokee territory without a passport. Washington proclaimed the ratified treaty on November 11, 1791.
He reaffirmed this pledge in person. When a Cherokee delegation visited Philadelphia, Washington referred to the Holston treaty as "the bond of our union." He insisted that the boundary line must be established to prevent future trespassing. When the Cherokee demanded the removal of squatters, he committed to their eviction as soon as the line was run.
Washington also assured the Cherokee that the United States would not settle at Muscle Shoals without the consent of the nations who hunted there. He emphasized that his government claimed no land beyond the agreed boundary.
In his 1796 "Talk to the Beloved Men of the Cherokee Nation," he reiterated that federal laws were made "for the protection of your lands." Unfortunately, the squatters were not removed, and the boundary line took years to establish. The guarantee of Article VII lasted less than two generations before Removal.
George Washington’s Land Speculator Background
Before becoming a general and president, George Washington was a surveyor with a keen interest in western land. He took a surveyor's commission at seventeen and purchased his first tract in 1752 — 1,459 acres along Bullskin Creek in Frederick County, Virginia. This marked the beginning of what the Library of Congress calls the second, more profitable phase of his cartographic career.
Dinwiddie's Proclamation of 1754 dangled 200,000 acres west of the Ohio before men who enlisted in the Virginia Regiment. Washington viewed this as both a patriotic duty and an investment opportunity.
What followed is a part of history often overlooked in schoolbooks.
In September 1767, Washington wrote to surveyor William Crawford, calling the Royal Proclamation of 1763 — which aimed to keep colonists off Indian land — "a temporary expedient." He instructed Crawford to mark out good tracts he would patent later, promised to cover the costs, and urged him to keep the entire venture secret, disguising it as a hunting expedition.
Washington also acquired veterans' bounty rights at a low cost. Combined with his own field officer's share of 15,000 acres, his holdings exceeded 20,000 acres by the early 1770s. In late 1772, Virginia's governor approved four patents on the Ohio and Great Kanawha, totaling more than 20,000 acres.
A composite map Washington created in 1774 from Crawford's surveys covered 64,071 acres. Of this, 19,383 acres — about thirty percent — were patented in his name. He later described these lands as "the cream of the Country," the prime choice, fronting rivers for fifty-eight miles.
The schedule attached to his will listed 52,194 acres across Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, Kentucky, and the Ohio Valley.
George Washington’s promise to the Cherokee is so intriguing that I featured it in a new one-minute video produced recently. His involvement, along with Patrick Henry, another land speculator at the expense of the Cherokee, provides much of the historical fiction background in “Cherokee Rock,”, the first book in my trilogy.
The Washington video is currently available on YouTube and Instagram. It is free and downloadable under the video tab of this website.
Explore the other one-minute Cherokee history videos and decide for yourself if the father of the United States kept his promise to the Cherokee.
The Impact of Broken Promises
The consequences of broken promises can be devastating. For the Cherokee, the unfulfilled commitments made by Washington and the U.S. government led to significant loss of land and culture. This history is crucial for understanding the ongoing struggles faced by Native American communities today.
Understanding the Historical Context
To fully grasp the implications of Washington's actions, we must consider the historical context. The late 18th century was a time of expansion and conflict. As settlers pushed westward, Native American lands were increasingly threatened. The promises made in treaties like the Treaty of Holston were often disregarded, leading to a cycle of displacement and suffering.
The Legacy of the Cherokee Nation
The Cherokee Nation has a rich history that deserves to be recognized and respected. Their resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to their strength and cultural heritage. By learning about their history, we can better appreciate the complexities of their experiences and the importance of honoring treaties and promises.
Moving Forward: Education and Awareness
As we reflect on this history, it is essential to promote education and awareness about the Cherokee and other Native American nations. By sharing their stories, we can foster understanding and empathy. This is a crucial step in ensuring that the mistakes of the past are not repeated.
In conclusion, the story of George Washington's promise to the Cherokee is a powerful reminder of the importance of integrity in leadership. As we explore these historical narratives, we must strive to honor the voices and experiences of those who have been marginalized. Through education, we can create a more inclusive and just society.
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