Oconastota - First Beloved Man of the Cherokee
KNOW AS: Oconastota – Principal Chief (First Beloved Man) of the Cherokee Nation & War Chief
BIRTH:~1710 – Chota, Overhill Towns, Cherokee Nation East
DEATH: 1783 – Chota, Overhill Towns, Cherokee Nation East
BURIAL: Chota, Overhill Towns, Cherokee Nation East (Monroe County, TN)
Oconastota became the Principal Chief (First Beloved Man) of the Cherokee following the death of his cousin Attakullakulla, sometime around 1775-1777.
SIGNIFICANT POSITIONS:
War Chief of the Cherokee Nation from 1775 to 1780.
MISCELLANEOUS HISTORY:
Oconastota was also Shawnee, but was raised and lived in his mother's Cherokee culture.
Oconastota is believed to be the Native American on the central emblem of the flag of Nashville, Tennessee.
Memorial - His remains were uncovered during the archaeological digs around the site of Chota for the Tellico Reservoir impoundment. He was identified by a pair of reading glasses that he owned and were buried with him. He was re-interred at Chota in the portion raised by the TVA (which includes the site of the council house) and has a gravestone marking the site.
Oconastota learned how to efficiently use a rifle early in life and was regarded as an exceptional marksman among our People. In addition, he was a clever tactician and strategist and knew what it took to win on the battlefield. Whether it was fighting other Tribes or European traders, he understood their weaknesses and strengths and knew how to stage a battle to win. His quick mind and wise decisions soon earned him recognition in the Cherokee Nation as one of our greatest warriors.
By the time of the American Revolution, Oconastota was a great Chief in our Tribe, who had great influence with other Tribes we allied with.
Oconastota in any European context would be likened to a famous general and political leader. His ability to respond quickly to threats and his fearless courage in battle made him a natural leader among the Cherokee and other neighboring Tribes. There were many contemporary descriptions of him in British and French writings of the day and even President George Washington wrote of him and the problems he could pose to American security.
While he may not have had the diplomatic and oratory skills of his cousin Attakullakulla, Oconastota did have the natural skills of battlefield leadership and that was the catalyst that caused him to rise to prominence in the Cherokee Nation.
(Image by Brian Stansberry)
—Roxanna Horne
