John Ross

John Ross was a prominent leader of the Cherokee Nation in the 19th century. He served as the nation's principal chief and was a strong advocate for his people's rights and sovereignty. Ross worked to resist forced removal from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States, especially during the infamous Trail of Tears. He sought to preserve Cherokee culture, legal rights, and territory through diplomacy and legal action, though ultimately many Cherokees were compelled to move west. His leadership highlights the complex struggle of Native American nations during a time of aggressive U.S. expansion.