Treaty of Mount Dexter facts for kids
The Treaty of Mount Dexter was an important agreement. It was signed between the United States government and the Choctaw people. This happened on November 16, 1805. The treaty involved a huge area of land. This land was about 4,142,720 acres (16,765 km²). It stretched from the Natchez area to the Tombigbee River. Most of this land is in what is now Mississippi. Some of it is also in Alabama.
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What Was the Treaty of Mount Dexter?
A treaty is a formal agreement between different groups or countries. The Treaty of Mount Dexter was signed by representatives from the United States and leaders of the Choctaw Nation.
The main goals of the treaty were:
- To officially give a large area of land from the Choctaw Nation to the United States.
- To set up clear boundaries for this land.
- To agree on payments and other promises from the United States to the Choctaw people.
The agreement started by naming the people involved. For the United States, it was Thomas Jefferson, the President. He was represented by James Robertson and Silas Dinsmoor. For the Choctaw Nation, it was their leaders, called Mingoes, and their warriors. They all met together to make this agreement.
Key Parts of the Treaty
The Treaty of Mount Dexter had several important points:
- The Choctaw Nation agreed to give up a large amount of their land to the United States.
- In return, the United States agreed to pay the Choctaw people.
- Some Choctaw individuals were to receive special payments for past services.
- The treaty also dealt with a land claim by a person named John M'Grew.
- It clearly described the new borders of the land being transferred.
- An older land grant was confirmed, meaning it was still valid.
- The treaty explained when these agreements would officially begin.
Why Was This Treaty Important?
This treaty was very important because it transferred a huge amount of land. This land is now in the southeastern part of Mississippi and the southwestern part of Alabama. For example, a big part of Clarke County, Alabama was included in this land transfer.
After the treaty was signed, work began to mark the exact boundaries. In February 1809, a survey started. A survey is when people measure and map out land. The United States hired Silas Dinsmoor and Levin Wailes to do this important job.
Who Signed the Treaty?
Several important people signed the Treaty of Mount Dexter. They were the main representatives for both sides.
Key signers included:
- James Robertson (for the United States)
- Silas Dinsmoor (for the United States)
- Pukshunnubbee (for the Choctaw Nation)
- Mingo Hoomastubbee (for the Choctaw Nation)
- Pushmataha (for the Choctaw Nation)
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