Goingsnake facts for kids

Goingsnake (born around 1758, died March 1, 1840) was a very important leader of the Cherokee people. His name in the Cherokee language was I-na-du-na-i. He was known as a brave warrior and a great speaker. Goingsnake was born near what is now Nottely Lake in Georgia. This area was once part of the large Cherokee lands.

When the United States government forced the Cherokee people to leave their homes, Goingsnake was 80 years old. He joined his people on the difficult journey known as the Trail of Tears in 1838. He built a new home in Indian Territory (which is now Oklahoma). Sadly, he passed away soon after arriving. To honor his memory, the Cherokee Nation named one of its areas the Goingsnake District in 1840.

Goingsnake's Life and Leadership

Goingsnake became a well-known Cherokee leader. At first, he served as a chief in a town called "Goingsnake's Town." In 1808, he became a representative for the Amohee District. This district was in what is now Polk County, Tennessee.

Speaker of the National Council

In 1827, Goingsnake was chosen as the Speaker of the National Council. This was a very important role. He worked closely with John Ross, who was the Principal Chief. Goingsnake was known as one of Chief Ross's most trusted advisors.

Fighting in the War of 1812

Goingsnake was also a warrior. In 1814, he was one of about 700 Cherokee warriors. They fought alongside General Andrew Jackson against the Creeks. This battle was called the Battle of Horseshoe Bend.

The Trail of Tears Journey

Later, General Winfield Scott was in charge of forcing the Cherokee people to move. This terrible event is known as the Trail of Tears. The first parts of the journey were very hard. Cherokee leaders, including Goingsnake, asked General Scott for changes. They successfully asked for delays and to lead their own groups. Goingsnake left with the first group led by the Cherokee people. They started their journey on September 28, 1838.

After four months of travel, Goingsnake arrived in Indian Territory. He built his new cabin near Ward Branch Creek. This spot was about six miles north of today's Westville, Oklahoma.

Goingsnake's last known political work was in July 1839. He attended a big meeting in Tahlequah, Indian Territory. He was 81 years old at that time. Soon after, he stepped down from his leadership role. A new speaker was then chosen for the National Council.

Important Moments

People wrote down some stories about Goingsnake. These stories show what kind of person he was.

A Difficult Journey

William Shorey Coodey was a Cherokee man who saw the start of the Trail of Tears. He wrote about Goingsnake leading the way. He said, "Goingsnake, an aged and respected chief whose head eighty summers had whitened, mounted his favorite pony, passed before me and led the way in silence." Coodey also mentioned hearing distant thunder. He felt it was a sign of anger from above for the unfair treatment of his people.

An Unexpected Accident

In 1835, there was a Cherokee Council meeting. The government agent had not prepared well for it. People had to sleep on the ground. John Ross, the Chief, told Congress and President Jackson about the bad conditions. He said that Goingsnake's horse got loose and stepped on his head while he slept. Everyone thought his injuries were serious. But Goingsnake recovered and was able to continue the meeting. This shows how strong he was.

Goingsnake's Legacy

Goingsnake passed away soon after reaching the Indian Territory. He was buried near his new home. His grave has a special stone that says: "Chief Goingsnake, Famous Cherokee Orator, Born 1758."

In 1840, the western Cherokee Nation created different districts. They named the Goingsnake District after him. This area is now part of Adair County, Oklahoma. A street in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, the capital of the Cherokee Nation, is also named in his honor.