Treaty of Hopewell

The Treaty of Hopewell may refer to one of three different treaties signed at Hopewell, (the plantation of Andrew Pickens on the Seneca River in northwestern South Carolina) between the United States of America and Cherokee (1785), Choctaw and Chickasaw (1786) indigenous nations. The site of Treaty Oak is on Old Cherry Road in Pickens County, South Carolina. There is a historical marker before reaching the bridge crossing Lake Hartwell. There is a trail through the forest that goes to the monument. The actual Treaty Oak is no longer alive.

1785


On November 28, 1785, the Treaty of Hopewell was signed between the U.S. representative Benjamin Hawkins and the Cherokee Indians. The treaty laid out a western boundary for white settlement. The treaty gave rise to the sardonic Cherokee phrase of Talking Leaves, since they claimed that when the treaties no longer suited the Americans, they would blow away like talking leaves. A description of the boundary is found on Article 4 of the accord:

The boundary allotted to the Cherokees for their hunting grounds, between the said Indians and the citizens of the United States, within the limits of the United States of America, is, and shall be the following, viz. Beginning at the mouth of Duck river, on the Tennessee; thence running north-east to the ridge dividing the waters running into Cumberland from those running into the Tennessee; thence eastwardly along the said ridge to a north-east line to be run, which shall strike the river Cumberland forty miles above Nashville; thence along the said line to the river; thence up the said river to the ford where the Kentucky road crosses the river; thence to Campbell's line, near Cumberland gap; thence to the mouth of Claud's creek on Holstein; thence to the Chimney-top mountain; thence to Camp-creek, near the mouth of Big Limestone, on Nolichuckey; thence a southerly course six miles to a mountain; thence south to the North-Carolina line; thence to the South-Carolina Indian boundary, and along the same south-west over the top of the Oconee mountain till it shall strike Tugaloo river; thence a direct line to the top of the Currohee mountain; thence to the head of the south fork of Oconee river.

Of note in the signatures of the Cherokee delegation were several from leaders of the Chickamauga/Lower Cherokee, including two from Chickamauga itself and one from Lookout Mountain Town, plus others.

Choctaws
On January 3, 1786, the Treaty of Hopewell was signed between U.S. representatives Benjamin Hawkins, Andrew Pickens, and Joseph Martin and members of the Choctaw Nation.

Choctaw treaty terms
The preamble begins with,

THE Commissioners Plenipotentiary of the United States of America give peace to all the Choctaw nation, and receive them into the favor and protection of the United States of America, on the following conditions: ...

The following terms of the treaty were:

1. Indians to restore prisoners (who are U.S. citizens or their allies), slaves, and property.

2. Choctaws acknowledge protection provided by the United States.

3. Boundaries defined.

4. No citizen of United States shall settle on Indian lands and Indians may punish violators as they please.

5. Indians to deliver criminals who commit robbery, murder, or capitol crime.

6. Citizens of United States committing crimes against Indians to be punished.

7. Retaliation restrained.

8. United States to regulate trade.

9. Special provision for trade.

10. Choctaws to give notice of designs against United States by tribes or any person. 11. Peace and friendship perpetual.

Chickasaws
On January 10, 1786, the Treaty of Hopewell was signed between U.S. representatives Benjamin Hawkins, Andrew Pickens, and Joseph Martin and the Chickasaw Nation.

Chickasaw treaty terms
The preamble begins with,

THE Commissioners Plenipotentiary of the United States of America give peace to the Chickasaw Nation, and receive them into the favor and protection of the said States, on the following conditions: ...

1. Indians to restore prisoners, slaves, and property.

2. Acknowledge the protection of United States.

3. Boundaries defined.

4. No citizen of United States shall settle on Indian lands and Chickasaws may punish them as they please.

5. Indians to deliver up criminals.

6. Citizens of United States committing crimes against Indians to be punished.

7. Retaliation restrained.

8. United States to regulate trade.

9. Special provision for trade

10. Indians to give notice of designs against United States.

11. Peace and friendship perpetual.