Little Turkey facts for kids

Little Turkey (1758–1801) was a very important leader of the Cherokee people. He was first known as the First Beloved Man. In 1794, he became the first Principal Chief of the original Cherokee Nation. This was a big moment for the Cherokee people.

Becoming a Cherokee Leader

Little Turkey was born in 1758. The Cherokee general council chose him as their First Beloved Man. This happened when the council moved its main meeting place to Ustanali. Ustanali was located on the Conasauga River. This change happened after another leader, Corntassel, passed away in 1788.

At first, the United States government thought Hanging Maw was the main Cherokee leader. But most of the Cherokee people, including the Chickamauga Cherokee (also called the Lower Cherokee), saw Little Turkey as their true leader. The Chickamauga Cherokee followed another leader named Dragging Canoe.

From First Beloved Man to Principal Chief

The Cherokee–American wars ended in 1794. After the wars, the Cherokee people set up their own national government. Because of this, Little Turkey's title changed. He became the Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. He held this important position until he passed away in 1801.