The 1816 Turkey Town Treaty (Cherokee), a significant agreement between the United States of America and the Cherokee Nation, stands as a testament to the complex and often fraught relationship between the burgeoning nation and the indigenous peoples who inhabited its claimed territories. This treaty, initially convened at the Chickasaw Council House on September 14, 1816, and later ratified at Turkey Town on October 4, 1816, aimed to solidify peace and define territorial boundaries, thereby mitigating future disputes. The document reflects the United States’ persistent pursuit of westward expansion and its strategic approach to negotiating with, and often dispossessing, Native American tribes.
The treaty’s preamble establishes its core objective: to perpetuate peace and friendship between the United States and the Cherokee Nation. It also highlights the desire to remove potential sources of conflict arising from unclear territorial boundaries. The United States was represented by a formidable commission consisting of Major General Andrew Jackson, General David Meriwether, and Jesse Franklin, Esquire – individuals wielding significant power and influence. The Cherokee Nation, on the other hand, was represented by delegates entrusted with safeguarding the interests of their people. The agreement stipulated that its terms would become legally binding upon approval by the Cherokee Nation and constitutional ratification by the U.S. government.
Article 1: Foundation of Peace
The first article lays the groundwork for the entire treaty, unequivocally establishing peace and friendship between the United States and the Cherokee Nation. This simple yet crucial declaration aimed to set a positive tone for future interactions, though the subsequent articles would reveal the underlying power dynamics at play. The promise of peace, however, was often overshadowed by the relentless pressure exerted by the United States to acquire Cherokee lands.
Article 2: Defining the Western Boundary
The second article is arguably the most significant, as it defines the western boundary of the Cherokee Nation. This boundary, described in detail, commenced south of the Tennessee River at Camp Coffee, located opposite Chickasaw Island. From there, it followed a due south course to the crest of the dividing ridge between the Tennessee and Tombigby rivers. The boundary then proceeded eastward along this ridge, ensuring that the headwaters of the Black Warrior River remained to the right (west) of the line. The line continued until it intersected the west branch of Well’s Creek, following the east bank of the creek down to the Coosa River, and then along the Coosa River itself.
This meticulous description served to delineate the territory that the Cherokee Nation would retain, while simultaneously identifying the lands that would be ceded to the United States. The boundary line was not merely a geographical marker; it represented the limit of Cherokee sovereignty and the extent of U.S. expansion.
Article 3: Land Cession and Compensation
Article 3 details the Cherokee Nation’s relinquishment of all claims and cession of title to lands lying south and west of the boundary described in Article 2. In exchange for this significant land cession, the United States commissioners agreed to provide the Cherokee Nation with an annuity of six thousand dollars for ten consecutive years. Additionally, a one-time payment of five thousand dollars was to be disbursed within sixty days of the treaty’s ratification, intended as compensation for any improvements the Cherokee Nation had made on the surrendered lands.
This article epitomizes the unequal power dynamic inherent in treaty negotiations between the United States and Native American tribes. While the annuity and compensation were presented as fair consideration, they paled in comparison to the immense value of the lands being ceded. The economic benefits offered were often insufficient to offset the long-term consequences of displacement and the loss of traditional territories. The 1816 Turkey Town Treaty (Cherokee) is a good example of this inequity.
Article 4: Marking the Boundary Line
To ensure clarity and prevent future disputes, Article 4 stipulated that the boundary line described in Article 2 would be accurately ascertained and marked by commissioners appointed by the President of the United States. These commissioners were tasked with creating bold markings, blazing trees on both sides of the line, and marking the "fore and aft" trees with the letters "U.S." The Cherokee Nation was granted the right to appoint two individuals to accompany the U.S. commissioners during this process, and they were to receive due and seasonable notice of when the operation would commence.
This article reflects the U.S. government’s desire to establish a clear and unambiguous boundary, minimizing the potential for future disagreements. The involvement of Cherokee representatives, albeit limited, aimed to provide a semblance of fairness and transparency to the process.
Article 5: Ratification at Turkey Town
The final article addressed the formal ratification of the treaty. It stipulated that the Cherokee Nation would convene in council at Turkey’s Town on the Coosa River on September 28, 1816, to express their approval or disapproval of the treaty’s articles. The article further stated that if the Cherokee Nation failed to assemble at the specified time and place, the U.S. commissioners were authorized to report this absence as a tacit ratification of the treaty on behalf of the Cherokee Nation.
This article highlights the pressure exerted on the Cherokee Nation to accept the terms of the treaty. The threat of tacit ratification, in the absence of a formal assembly, underscored the limited options available to the Cherokee delegates. It also reveals the U.S. government’s determination to secure the treaty’s ratification, even if it meant circumventing the full consent of the Cherokee people. The importance of the 1816 Turkey Town Treaty (Cherokee) should be remembered.
Signatories and Witnesses
The treaty was signed by the U.S. commissioners – Andrew Jackson, David Meriwether, and Jesse Franklin – as well as a number of Cherokee chiefs and delegates, including Toochalar, OohuIookee, Wososey, Gousa, Spring Frog, and others. The presence of these signatures indicates the official endorsement of the treaty by both parties, although the extent to which the Cherokee delegates genuinely represented the will of their people remains a subject of historical debate.
The treaty was also witnessed by several individuals, including James Gadsden (secretary to the commissioners), Arthur P. Hayne (inspector general), James C. Bronaugh (hospital surgeon), and interpreters for the Cherokees. These witnesses provide further validation of the treaty’s execution and offer insights into the individuals involved in the negotiation and ratification process.
The ratification at Turkey Town on October 4, 1816, involved the signatures of Andrew Jackson, David Meriwether, and several Cherokee chiefs and warriors, including Path Killer, The Glass, Sour Mush, and others, many of whom signed with their mark. The witnesses to this ratification included James Gadsden, Return J. Meigs, and interpreters Richard Taylor and A. McCoy.
Historical Significance
The 1816 Turkey Town Treaty (Cherokee) represents a critical juncture in the history of U.S.-Cherokee relations. It resulted in a significant cession of Cherokee lands to the United States, contributing to the ongoing displacement and dispossession of the Cherokee people. While the treaty ostensibly aimed to establish peace and friendship, its underlying purpose was to facilitate U.S. expansion and secure access to valuable resources. The treaty’s legacy continues to be debated and examined, as historians and scholars grapple with the complex issues of land rights, sovereignty, and the enduring impact of U.S. policies on Native American communities. The document serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the Cherokee Nation in navigating the pressures of a rapidly expanding United States.
