SEPTEMBER 25, 1793

CHEROKEE MASSACRE AT CAVETT’S STATION

As settlers moved into Cherokee territory, attacks and counterattacks became widespread breaching the 1785 Treaty of Hopewell. When an attempt was made to negotiate a new treaty, the meeting place was raided by a party headed by John Sevier ordered by Captain John Beard. Many Cherokees were killed. In retaliation, Lower (Chickamauga) Cherokee leader John Watts led a party of over 1,000 Chickamauga Cherokee & Muscogee in attacking settlements on Cherokee land before raiding Knoxville, Tennessee. Cavett’s Station, owned by Alexander Cavett and located near Mars Hill Cemetery, was one of the fortified homesteads attacked. After several were killed on both sides, the surviving settlers surrendered. Watts offered clemency, but a faction of Cherokee under Doublehead started killing the prisoners, including children. Vann was on Watts’ side trying to protect the prisoners. The war party’s advance toward Knoxville was later interrupted by soldiers led by General James White.

Sources:

“Cavett's Station,” Knoxville History Project.  Retrieved 11/18/2023, Cavett's Station - Knoxville History Project

Wikipedia

Photo:  Cculber, 2/24/2009.  Public Domain.