Treaty of New Echota signed (1835)

The Treaty of New Echota was signed on December 29, 1835, in New Echota, Georgia, by U.S. officials and representatives of the Cherokee Treaty Party. This faction, led by figures such as John Ridge, Major Ridge, and Elias Boudinot, believed removal was inevitable and sought to protect Cherokee rights through negotiation. The treaty ceded Cherokee lands east of the Mississippi in exchange for territory in Indian Territory, though it lacked approval from the Cherokee National Council or Principal Chief John Ross.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. In December 1833, Cherokees supporting removal formed a party, with William Hicks as head and John McIntosh as assistant. By 1835, the Treaty Party, including John Ridge, Major Ridge, Elias Boudinot, and Stand Watie, advocated for negotiation. They believed Indian Removal was inevitable and sought a treaty to protect Cherokee rights, contrasting with the National Party led by John Ross.

Negotiations. In October 1835, the General Council rejected a proposed treaty but appointed a committee to negotiate in Washington. In December 1835, 100 to 500 men converged on the Cherokee capital. Negotiator Schermerhorn proposed exchanging all Cherokee land east of the Mississippi for $5,000,000, educational funds, and land in Indian Territory, along with compensation for property left behind.

Ratification. The treaty was concluded at New Echota on December 29, 1835, and signed on March 1, 1836. Although not approved by the Cherokee National Council or signed by Principal Chief John Ross, it was amended and ratified in March 1836. The Senate passed the measure in May 1836 by a single vote, making it the legal basis for removal.

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