Three Treaties of Hopewell facts for kids

U.S. Representative Andrew Pickens, who owned the Hopewell plantation.

The Treaty of Hopewell refers to three important agreements. These agreements were signed between representatives from the United States government and the Cherokee, Choctaw, and Chickasaw peoples. They were created and signed at a place called Hopewell plantation in South Carolina. This happened over 45 days during the winter of 1785 and 1786.

Hopewell Plantation: Where Treaties Were Signed

The treaties were signed at a large farm called Hopewell plantation. This farm belonged to General Andrew Pickens. The treaty documents called it "Hopewell on the Keowee." A historian named James Mooney wrote that the plantation was located in what is now Anderson County, South Carolina. It was on the east side of the Keowee River. Across the river, you could see the old Cherokee town of Seneca. American soldiers had destroyed Seneca in 1776.

Cherokee Treaty: An Agreement with the Cherokee Nation

On November 28, 1785, the first Treaty of Hopewell was signed. It was between the U.S. representative Benjamin Hawkins and the Cherokee Native Americans. This treaty set a western border for where American settlers could live.

The Cherokee people had a saying about this treaty: "talking leaves." They said that when the treaties no longer suited the Americans, they would just blow away like talking leaves. This showed their concern that the agreements might not last.

Some 3,000 white settlers were already living on the Cherokee side of the agreed border. These settlers were part of a group trying to form their own state called the de facto State of Franklin. The Cherokee kept complaining about this area. A new border was finally set by the 1791 Treaty of Holston.

Cherokee Treaty Terms: What Was Agreed?

The treaty began by saying that the United States would give peace to the Cherokee nation. It also said the U.S. would protect them. This was all based on certain conditions. Here are the main points of the treaty:

• Native Americans had to return any prisoners (U.S. citizens or their friends), enslaved people, and stolen property.
• The United States had to return any prisoners to the Native Americans.
• The Cherokee people agreed to accept protection from the United States.
• The treaty clearly defined the borders of the land.
• No U.S. citizen was allowed to settle on Native American lands. If they did, the Native Americans could punish them.
• Native Americans had to hand over criminals who committed serious crimes like robbery or murder.
• U.S. citizens who committed crimes against Native Americans would also be punished.
• Both sides agreed to stop seeking revenge for past wrongs.
• The United States would control trade with the Cherokee.
• There were special rules for trade.
• The Cherokee had to tell the U.S. if they knew about any plans against the United States by other tribes or people.
• The Cherokee could send a "deputy" (a representative) to Congress whenever they wanted.
• Both sides agreed that peace and friendship would last forever.

Congressional Deputy: A Voice in Congress

One important part of the treaty (Article XII) said that the Cherokee could send a representative to Congress. In 2019, the leader of the Cherokee Nation, Chuck Hoskin Jr., mentioned this right. He said he planned to appoint a delegate to the House of Representatives. This would be the first time the Cherokee Nation had such a delegate. He planned to nominate Kimberly Teehee for the position. She is a member of the Cherokee Nation and used to advise President Barack Obama.

Choctaw Treaty: An Agreement with the Choctaw Nation

The U.S. and Choctaw Treaty of Hopewell was signed on January 3, 1786. It took place at the Hopewell plantation. The Choctaw gave up about 69,120 acres of land. In return, the United States promised to protect them. The U.S. representatives were Benjamin Hawkins, Andrew Pickens, and Joseph Martin. Thirteen Choctaw leaders signed for their people.

Choctaw Treaty Terms: What Was Agreed?

The treaty started by saying that the United States would give peace and protection to the Choctaw nation. This was based on these conditions:

• Native Americans had to return any prisoners (U.S. citizens or their friends), enslaved people, and stolen property.
• The Choctaw people agreed to accept protection from the United States.
• The treaty clearly defined the borders of the land.
• No U.S. citizen was allowed to settle on Native American lands. If they did, the Native Americans could punish them.
• Native Americans had to hand over criminals who committed serious crimes.
• U.S. citizens who committed crimes against Native Americans would also be punished.
• Both sides agreed to stop seeking revenge for past wrongs.
• The United States would control trade with the Choctaw.
• There were special rules for trade.
• The Choctaw had to tell the U.S. if they knew about any plans against the United States by other tribes or people.
• Both sides agreed that peace and friendship would last forever.

Chickasaw Treaty: An Agreement with the Chickasaw Nation

On January 10, 1786, the third Treaty of Hopewell was signed. It was between U.S. representatives Benjamin Hawkins, Andrew Pickens, and Joseph Martin. The Chickasaw leaders who signed were Taski Etoka, Piomingo, and Lotapaia.

Chickasaw Treaty Terms: What Was Agreed?

The treaty began by saying that the United States would give peace to the Chickasaw people. It also said the U.S. would protect them. This was all based on certain conditions:

• Native Americans had to return any prisoners, enslaved people, and stolen property.
• The Chickasaw people agreed to accept protection from the United States.
• The treaty clearly defined the borders of the land.
• No U.S. citizen was allowed to settle on Native American lands. If they did, the Chickasaw could punish them.
• Native Americans had to hand over criminals.
• U.S. citizens who committed crimes against Native Americans would also be punished.
• Both sides agreed to stop seeking revenge for past wrongs.
• The United States would control trade with the Chickasaw.
• There were special rules for trade.
• The Chickasaw had to tell the U.S. if they knew about any plans against the United States.
• Both sides agreed that peace and friendship would last forever.

See also

• List of Choctaw treaties
• List of treaties