Treaty of Tuscaloosa facts for kids

The Treaty of Tuscaloosa was an important agreement signed in October 1818. The United States government officially approved it in January 1819. It was one of several agreements made that year between the Chickasaw people and the United States. Important leaders like Senator Andrew Jackson and former governor Isaac Shelby represented the United States. This treaty led to the United States gaining a large area of land called the Jackson Purchase. This land is now part of western Kentucky and most of West Tennessee.

What Was the Treaty of Tuscaloosa?

On October 19, 1818, Senator Jackson and Governor Shelby worked out the details with the Chickasaw leaders. They were acting as special representatives for the United States. This agreement became known as the Treaty of Tuscaloosa. It was one of many treaties signed in 1818 that created the Jackson Purchase.

Land Involved in the Treaty

The treaty focused on land that had been recognized as Chickasaw territory since 1786. This was according to an earlier agreement called the Treaty of Hopewell. The land was a large, unpopulated forest area. It covered about 10,700 square miles. This territory was located in what is now Tennessee and Kentucky. It was west of the Tennessee River.

How the Agreement Was Reached

Before the treaty was signed, Levi Colbert and his brother George were important Chickasaw leaders. They had taken over leadership of the tribe. They agreed to transfer their tribe's hunting grounds. This agreement involved a payment to the Chickasaw leaders. The large area of land between the Mississippi River and the western Tennessee River valley was traded. The United States agreed to pay $300,000. This money was to be paid in twenty yearly payments. Other Chickasaw leaders who were part of these treaties included Chinubby and Tishomingo.

Results of the Treaty

The United States Congress and Senate officially approved the Treaty of Tuscaloosa. President James Monroe confirmed it on January 7, 1819. With this new land, Kentucky gained about 2,000 square miles. Tennessee grew by about 6,000 square miles.

What Happened After the Treaty?

After the treaty was signed, many people quickly moved to the newly acquired land. Soon after, Andrew Jackson, along with John Overton and James Winchester, founded the city of Memphis. By 1824, sixteen new counties had been created in this region.