Treaty of Hopewell facts for kids

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

What Was the Treaty of Hopewell?

After the American Revolutionary War, the United States was a new country. It needed to set up clear rules with the Native American nations. The Treaties of Hopewell were signed to establish peace and define boundaries. They also set rules for trade and justice between the groups.

Hopewell Plantation: Where Treaties Were Signed

U.S. Representative Andrew Pickens

The treaties were signed at a plantation owned by General Andrew Pickens. This place was known as “Hopewell on the Keowee.” It was located in what is now Anderson County, South Carolina. The plantation was on the east side of the Keowee River. It was also near the old Cherokee town of Seneca.

Cherokee Treaty: November 28, 1785

The first Treaty of Hopewell was signed on November 28, 1785. It was an agreement between the U.S. representative Benjamin Hawkins and the Cherokee Nation. This treaty aimed to set a western boundary for American settlements.

The Cherokee people had a saying about this treaty: Talking Leaves. They said that when the treaties no longer suited the Americans, they would blow away like talking leaves. This showed their concern about the agreements lasting.

Cherokee Treaty Boundaries

Article 4 of the treaty described the new boundary. This line was meant to separate the Cherokee hunting grounds from U.S. citizen lands. It started at the mouth of the Duck River on the Tennessee River. Then it followed ridges and rivers, going northeast, east, and south. It ended near the Oconee mountain and Tugaloo River. This long description showed how detailed the boundary lines were.

Some leaders from the Chickamauga (Lower Cherokee) also signed this treaty. They included leaders from the towns of Chickamauga and Lookout Mountain.

The Cherokee complained that about 3,000 white settlers were already living on their land. These settlers were in an area between the Holston and French Broad Rivers. This area was on the Cherokee side of the new line. The dispute over this region continued until a new border was set in 1791. This new border was part of the Treaty of Holston.

Main Terms of the Cherokee Treaty

The treaty began by saying that the United States offered peace and protection to the Cherokee Nation. Here are the main points of the agreement:

• Indians agreed to return prisoners, enslaved people, and property to the U.S.
• The United States agreed to return prisoners to the Indians.
• The Cherokees accepted protection from the United States.
• Specific boundaries for their lands were defined.
• No U.S. citizen was allowed to settle on Indian lands. Indians could punish anyone who broke this rule.
• Indians agreed to hand over criminals who committed serious crimes like robbery or murder.
• U.S. citizens who committed crimes against Indians would also be punished.
• Both sides agreed to avoid revenge attacks.
• The United States would control trade with the Cherokees.
• There were special rules for trade.
• Cherokees agreed to tell the U.S. about any plans against them by other tribes or people.
• Indians could send a representative, called a "deputy," to the U.S. Congress.
• Both sides agreed to have lasting peace and friendship.

Cherokee Representative to Congress

Article XII of the treaty gave the Cherokee the right to send a representative to Congress. In 2019, the Cherokee Nation's principal chief, 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 such a delegate was appointed. He nominated Kimberly Teehee, who had worked as a policy advisor for President Barack Obama.

Choctaw Treaty: January 3, 1786

The U.S.–Choctaw Treaty of Hopewell was signed on January 3, 1786. This happened in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. The Choctaw gave up about 69,120 acres of land. In return, they received protection from the United States.

The U.S. representatives were Benjamin Hawkins, Andrew Pickens, and Joseph Martin. The Choctaw were represented by 13 "small medal" captains and 12 "medal and gorget" captains. These titles showed their rank among the Choctaw.

Main Terms of the Choctaw Treaty

Like the Cherokee treaty, this agreement started with the U.S. offering peace and protection to the Choctaw Nation. Here are the key terms:

• Indians agreed to return prisoners, enslaved people, and property to the U.S.
• The Choctaws accepted protection from the United States.
• Boundaries for their lands were defined.
• No U.S. citizen could settle on Indian lands. Indians could punish those who did.
• Indians agreed to hand over criminals who committed serious crimes.
• U.S. citizens who committed crimes against Indians would be punished.
• Both sides agreed to avoid revenge attacks.
• The United States would control trade with the Choctaws.
• There were special rules for trade.
• Choctaws agreed to tell the U.S. about any known plans against them.
• Both sides agreed to have lasting peace and friendship.

Chickasaw Treaty: January 10, 1786

The last Treaty of Hopewell was signed on January 10, 1786. It was between the U.S. representatives (Benjamin Hawkins, Andrew Pickens, and Joseph Martin) and the Chickasaw leaders. These leaders included Taski Etoka, Piomingo, and Lotapaia.

Main Terms of the Chickasaw Treaty

This treaty also began with the United States offering peace and protection to the Chickasaw People. The main conditions were:

• Indians agreed to return prisoners, enslaved people, and property.
• The Chickasaws accepted protection from the United States.
• Boundaries for their lands were defined.
• No U.S. citizen could settle on Indian lands. Chickasaws could punish those who did.
• Indians agreed to hand over criminals.
• U.S. citizens who committed crimes against Indians would be punished.
• Both sides agreed to avoid revenge attacks.
• The United States would control trade with the Chickasaws.
• There were special rules for trade.
• Indians agreed to tell the U.S. about any known plans against them.
• Both sides agreed to have lasting peace and friendship.

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  U.S. Representative Andrew Pickens