Old Tassel facts for kids

Old Tassel, also known as Reyetaeh (or sometimes Corntassel), was a very important leader of the Overhill Cherokee people. His Cherokee name was Utsi'dsata. After the United States became independent from Great Britain in 1783, Old Tassel became the "First Beloved Man" of the Overhill Cherokee. This was like being a main chief or respected leader for his people. He worked hard to keep his people out of the Cherokee–American wars. These wars were fought between early American settlers and a group of Chickamauga Cherokee warriors led by Dragging Canoe. Sadly, Old Tassel was killed in 1788 at Chilhowee. He was murdered by white settlers while trying to have a peaceful meeting under a special flag.

Old Tassel's Family

Old Tassel had two brothers who were also warriors. Their names were Pumpkin Boy and Doublehead. His nephew, who was his sister's son, was John Watts. John Watts was sometimes called "Young Tassel."

A Leader for Peace

Old Tassel became the "First Beloved Man" of the Overhill Cherokee in 1783. He took over from a leader named The Raven of Chota. Old Tassel believed strongly in peace. He tried his best to keep the Overhill towns out of the wars happening between white settlers and the Chickamauga warriors. These conflicts were taking place in what is now eastern Tennessee and southeastern Kentucky. Old Tassel was known as a great speaker, often called the "Great Orator."

Signing Important Treaties

Old Tassel signed two important agreements, called treaties, with representatives from the United States. He signed the Treaty of Long Island in 1777. Later, in 1786, he signed the Treaty of Hopewell. This treaty was supposed to protect the Overhill Cherokee land as their own. The Americans even gave Old Tassel an American flag. It was sewn by Betsy Ross, and he proudly flew it outside his home.

In 1786, Old Tassel and another chief named Hanging Maw had to sign another treaty. This one was called the Treaty of Coytoy. It said that the Cherokee would be punished if they protected anyone who had harmed white settlers. At the same time, representatives from a new, temporary state called the State of Franklin claimed land. They said North Carolina had given them rights to land from the Little Tennessee River to the Cumberland Mountains. However, a treaty in 1785 had already said this area belonged to the Cherokee.

A Tragic End

The Treaty of Coytoy made many Cherokee people very angry. In May 1788, a group of Cherokee warriors attacked the John Kirk family. The Kirks were settlers building a home on new land near what is now Knoxville, Tennessee. Eleven members of the family were killed. John Kirk, the father, was not home at the time.

A Meeting Under a White Flag

After this event, Colonel John Sevier led attacks against several Cherokee towns. Another officer, Major James Hubbard, arranged a meeting. He invited Old Tassel, Chief Abraham of Chilhowee, and three other Cherokee leaders to talk. They were supposed to meet peacefully at Abraham's house under a "flag of truce." A flag of truce is a white flag that means people want to talk peacefully and safely.

However, during this meeting in June 1788, John Kirk was allowed to attack and kill the Cherokee leaders. He used a tomahawk to get revenge for his family.

The Impact of the Murders

Newspapers like the Maryland Gazette strongly criticized the killings of the chiefs. They said that a flag of truce should always be respected, even by people who are not civilized. The Cherokee people saw these murders as terrible acts. Many Cherokee then decided to support Dragging Canoe and his warriors even more. This tragic event eventually led to more conflict, including the Massacre at Cavett's Station on September 25, 1793.