1798 treaty between the United States and representatives of the Cherokee
The only treaty between the United States and Native Americans concluded during the presidency of John Adams, serving as an addendum to the Treaty of Holston.
Key Facts
- Date signed
- October 2, 1798
- Location
- Great Tellico, near Tellico Blockhouse, Tennessee
- U.S. commissioners
- Thomas Butler and George Walton
- Cherokee signatories
- Approximately 39 chiefs and warriors
- U.S. Agent present
- Silas Dinsmoor
- Interpreter
- Charles R. Hicks
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Unresolved boundary and relations issues following the Treaty of Holston (1791) between the United States and the Cherokee Nation necessitated further negotiation. The new Adams administration sought to clarify and supplement the earlier agreement, leading to formal diplomatic engagement with Cherokee leadership in Tennessee.
On October 2, 1798, U.S. commissioners Thomas Butler and George Walton signed a treaty with approximately thirty-nine Cherokee chiefs and warriors at the Overhill Cherokee settlement of Great Tellico. Notable Cherokee leaders present included Bloody Fellow, Little Turkey, Doublehead, and Tahlonteskee, with Silas Dinsmoor overseeing as U.S. Agent and Charles R. Hicks serving as interpreter.
The treaty, acting as a formal addendum to the Treaty of Holston, became the sole treaty between the United States and a Native American nation executed under President John Adams. It further defined the relationship and obligations between the U.S. government and the Cherokee Nation during the early republic period.
Political Outcome
Treaty ratified as an addendum to the Treaty of Holston, clarifying U.S.-Cherokee relations; only Native American treaty of the Adams administration.