1. Who was John Ridge?

John Ridge (c. 1802–1839) was a prominent Cherokee leader and member of a politically influential Cherokee family. He played a key role during a turbulent period in Cherokee history as the tribe faced increasing pressure from the United States to cede its lands and relocate west of the Mississippi River. Key points about John Ridge include: • Leadership Role: As a member of the Cherokee elite and the Cherokee National Council, Ridge was actively involved in tribal governance and diplomatic efforts at a time when the Cherokee nation was deeply divided over how to deal with U.S. expansion. • Treaty of New Echota: Ridge is best known for his involvement in negotiating and signing the Treaty of New Echota in 1835. This treaty, which was not approved by the majority of the Cherokee people, ceded Cherokee lands in the southeast to the U.S. government in exchange for land in the west. The treaty played a central role in the tragic events that followed, including the forced removal of the Cherokee along what became known as the Trail of Tears. • Internal Divisions and Consequences: His decision to support the treaty, which many viewed as a betrayal of Cherokee interests, contributed to deep internal divisions within the nation. Opposition to the treaty ultimately led to a civil conflict among the Cherokee, and in 1839, John Ridge was assassinated by members of factions opposed to the treaty. John Ridge’s life and actions are remembered as a complex legacy of negotiating survival for his people under extreme pressure, and his decisions continue to be the subject of historical debate regarding leadership, loyalty, and the impact of imposing federal policies on Native American nations.