Native American Leader. The Ridge (Nunnehidihi), later known as Major Ridge, is one of the most prominent men in Cherokee history. After fighting Americans on the battlefield in the early 19th century, he decided that the best strategy to preserve Cherokee sovereignty was acculturation. So, he worked to Americanize Cherokee culture and was instrumental in bringing in Christian missionaries. He himself became a wealthy, slave-owning planter. Ultimately Major Ridge supported the removal of the Cherokees to Indian Territory (now Oklahoma) as the only solution to Cherokee survival. Removal culminated in the Trail of Tears (1838 to 1839) in which more than a quarter of the Cherokees died on the forced march west. As a result, Major Ridge was assassinated by fellow Cherokees in the summer of 1839.
Native American Leader. The Ridge (Nunnehidihi), later known as Major Ridge, is one of the most prominent men in Cherokee history. After fighting Americans on the battlefield in the early 19th century, he decided that the best strategy to preserve Cherokee sovereignty was acculturation. So, he worked to Americanize Cherokee culture and was instrumental in bringing in Christian missionaries. He himself became a wealthy, slave-owning planter. Ultimately Major Ridge supported the removal of the Cherokees to Indian Territory (now Oklahoma) as the only solution to Cherokee survival. Removal culminated in the Trail of Tears (1838 to 1839) in which more than a quarter of the Cherokees died on the forced march west. As a result, Major Ridge was assassinated by fellow Cherokees in the summer of 1839.
Bio by: Sharlotte Neely Donnelly
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