Oconostota facts for kids
Oconostota (born around 1710, died 1783) was an important leader of the Cherokee people. He was a powerful war chief, known as a skiagusta, from the town of Chota. Chota was the main town for the Overhill Cherokee for about 40 years. Today, this area is in Monroe County, Tennessee. Oconostota also served as the First Beloved Man of Chota from 1775 to 1781. This was a very important leadership role.
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What's in a Name?
Oconostota's Cherokee name was "Aganstata." A historian named James Mooney said it meant "groundhog-sausage." This name comes from the Cherokee words agana (meaning "groundhog") and tsistau (meaning "I am pounding it"). You can see his name spelled "Oconastota" on his grave marker today.
Oconostota's Early Life and Leadership
Oconostota was likely born around 1704. He grew up among the Overhill Cherokee people. His first wife was Oo-Loo-Sta (Polly) Ani-Wa’Di. Her family was from the Paint Clan, and her maiden name was Uka of Chota. Their daughter, Nionne Ollie, married Oconostota's cousin, Attakullakulla. Attakullakulla was also a First Beloved Man before Oconostota.
Oconostota first appears in history books in 1736. He quickly became known as a strong warrior. People called him "The Great Warrior of Chota." He might have been influenced by a German man named Christian Gottlieb Priber. Priber lived with the Cherokee from about 1735 to 1739.
Changing Sides in War
Oconostota was a smart leader. He changed his support from the French to the British. In 1753, he led Cherokee fighters who supported the British. They fought against the Choctaw people during the French and Indian War.
Over the next 12 years, the Cherokee sometimes fought with the British and sometimes against them. But as more European-American settlers moved onto Cherokee land, Oconostota and his people supported the British. The British had promised to keep settlers out of the Overhill territory.
Battles and Diplomacy
In February 1760, Oconostota led an attack on Fort Prince George in South Carolina. This was a response to colonists imprisoning and executing 29 Cherokee chiefs who were trying to make peace.
Later, in June 1760, he defeated Colonel Archibald Montgomery in Macon County. He also captured Fort Loudoun. This fort was located near where the Little Tennessee River and Tennessee River meet.
Even during times of conflict, Oconostota worked to have peaceful talks with the colonists. In a special honor, John Stuart helped Oconostota become a member of the St. Andrews Society in Charlestown, South Carolina. This was a very exclusive group, and Oconostota received his membership certificate in 1773.
Leading During the Revolution
Oconostota became the First Beloved Man of the Cherokee around 1775. This happened after his cousin Attakullakulla passed away. His time as leader was very difficult. The American Revolutionary War had just begun.
In 1780, American revolutionary forces destroyed both Chota and Tanasi. These towns were important Cherokee centers. Oconostota is believed to have died in either 1782 or 1783. He was buried holding a broadsword.
Remembering Oconostota
Years later, in the late 1900s, people were digging at the old site of Chota. This was before the Tellico Reservoir was built. They found Oconostota's remains. They knew it was him because a pair of his reading glasses was buried with him!
To remember this important town, the TVA raised the land above the water level of the reservoir. This protected Oconostota's grave and the old council house site. Oconostota's remains were reburied there in the 1970s, and a gravestone marks the spot.
It's now a tradition to place a small pebble on his gravestone. This symbolizes that his memory and legacy will last forever, because a stone never dies. There is also a memorial at this site for the seven Cherokee clans and the entire Cherokee nation.
