Cherokee Expedition facts for kids
The Cherokee Expedition, also known as Christie's Campaign, was a major military action during the American Revolutionary War. It involved American forces fighting against Cherokee tribes who were allied with Great Britain. This expedition took place in 1776, aiming to stop attacks on the American colonies.
Contents
Why the Expedition Happened
The British wanted to cause problems for the American colonies during the war. In July 1776, they encouraged Cherokee tribes to raid colonial lands. These raids happened in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. The attacks caused a lot of trouble for the southern colonies.
The governments of these colonies decided they needed to act. They planned a strong response to protect their people. Their goal was to strike back at the Cherokee territory.
The American Forces
The American colonies put together several groups of soldiers for the expedition.
- A large group of 1,800 volunteers from Virginia marched southwest. They were led by Colonel William Christian. This force moved past the northern border of Cherokee lands.
- Soldiers from Georgia attacked from the south. They moved north through the southern border of Cherokee territory.
- Brigadier General Griffith Rutherford led the North Carolina militia. He joined forces with the South Carolina militia. Colonel Andrew Williamson commanded the South Carolina troops. This combined group aimed for the central part of Cherokee lands.
The Cherokee Response
The Cherokee people had different ideas about how to deal with the invading forces.
- Many elders and a large part of the nation wanted peace. They hoped to make agreements with the American colonists.
- However, some younger men continued their raids. This group did not want to stop fighting.
Despite their different views, the Cherokee did not engage in large battles. The groups that continued fighting mostly avoided direct clashes with the American forces.
Marching into Cherokee Lands
The American expedition faced very little resistance as it moved forward. The soldiers marched deep into the heart of Cherokee lands. This area is now part of Tennessee.
The American forces set up camps near several Cherokee towns. They also rebuilt old forts. This helped them establish a strong presence in the area. This show of force, even without major battles, was very effective. It helped to stop further Cherokee raids during the American Revolution. It is believed that peace terms were agreed upon. The expedition then returned home in December 1776.
