Today in History: Chief John Ross & the Cherokee Nation
Today in History–October 3–the Library of Congress features Cherokee Chief John Ross, born on this day in 1790. Ross fought hard in Washington to preserve the Cherokee land but was ultimately unsuccessful. Learn more about his efforts by reviewing the Today in History section then click the links below to access more primary resources and stories related to the Cherokee.
Chief Little John and the “Trail of Tears” from America’s Library
From Horseshoe Bend to the Trail of Tears
The Trail of Tears Through Arkansas Sequoyah Research Center, UALR
My Grandmother Told Me We Have Indian Blood: Memory, Heritage & Native American Identity webcast video about the history of Cherokee migration and resettlement
Chief John Ross: historical newspaper coverage
Cherokee: historical newspaper coverage
George Washington Letter to Senate on Cherokee Indians
Letter from John Ross, the principal chief of the Cherokee nation, to a gentleman of Philadelphia 1838
The Cherokee question : report of the commissioner of Indian affairs to the president of the United States June 15, 1866
The Maid of Cherokee sheet music
Oral histories related to the Cherokee
Manuscripts related to the Cherokee
Cherokee Phoenix newspaper 1828-29
Cherokee Phoenix & Indians’ Advocate 1829-33
Modern-day U.S. legislation related to the Cherokee
Cherokee National Holiday In Custodia Legis blog September 1, 2016
Teaching resources
- Teaching Civic Ideals Using Primary Sources: Cherokee Removal and Federalism
- Learning from the Source: Indian Territory Resettlement
Related resources