Constitutional Chiefs of the Cherokee Nation
A listing of Cherokee Nation Principal Chiefs from The Trail of Tears era until today, as voted by the Cherokee People.
Chiefs of the Early Times
These Chiefs served in the Cherokee Nation East. Historically, there were tribal town chiefs, and then Principal Chiefs whose jurisdiction encompassed all tribal towns and districts. The following were considered Principal Chiefs.
Old Settler Chiefs
A list of the Principal Chiefs of the Western Cherokee, before the Constitution of 1839.
Civil War Era Chiefs
Both factions of the Cherokee Nation attempted to conduct business during the War Between the States. Here's the men who led them.
Chief for a Day
Appointed by the President, these "Principal Chiefs", many holding the title for only a single day, signed documents and performed other pro forma duties as required by the federal government.
William C. Rogers
Principal Chief 1903 - 1907
Thomas Buffington
Principal Chief 1899 - 1903
Samuel H. Mayes
Principal Chief 1895 - 1899
Ross Swimmer
Principal Chief 1975 - 1985
Wilma P. Mankiller
Principal Chief 1985 - 1995
Letter from John Ross
Letter from John Ross, Principal Chief
Executive DepartmentTahlequah, Nov. 18th, 1844
John Jolly
An Old Setter Chief.
Mjr. George Lowery
An influential man, both before and after the Removal. Assistant Chief under John Ross' administration.
Black Coat
The Second Chief of the Western Cherokee, or Old Settlers. He was a delegate in charge of the Cherokees who went to Washington with Sam Hosutin in December 1831.
Joseph Vann
The first Assistant Chief of the Cherokee Nation's 1839 constitution.
Joel B. Mayes
Principal Chief 1887 - 1891
Dennis W. Bushyhead
Principal Chief 1879 - 1887
William P. Ross
Principal Chief 1866 - 67 and 1872 - 1875
Atakullakulla
A Pre-1839 Constitution Civil Chief
John Ross
Principal Chief under the Cherokee Nation Constitution of 1839, 1839 - 1866
Lewis Downing
Principal Chief 1867 - 1872
Charles Thompson
Principal Chief 1875 - 1879
|
|