Overview

The Chieftains Museum is located in the former estate home of Major Ridge, also known as Kah-nung-da-tla-geh (1771-1839), a rebellious Cherokee leader born in the north Georgia mountains. At the core of the plush upscale home is a very old log cabin, renovated by its wealthy owner in the early 1800's. At the time of the forced exodus of the Cherokee from North Georgia, the Ridge manor was of higher quality than most, if not all others in the area, including those of the white residents. His estate included a ferry, a store, hundreds of fruit trees, rich river bottom farm land, and sadly, well over 30 slaves of African and Creek descent.

The home itself is a fascinating tour, but the stories associated to the home's previous owners are much more interesting. I won't attempt to explain the history of the Ridge family in this short article. It's simply too complicated. However, to spice it up a little, I'll say this: Major Ridge was a Cherokee warrior, hunter, business man, politician, and assassin. He and his son John were directly involved in the signing of the treaty of New Echota, which surrendered the remainder of the Cherokee's land to Georgia. Both paid the ultimate price for doing so. The official Georgia Tribe of Eastern Cherokee tell the story best.

The Chieftains Museum is located adjacent Ridge Ferry Park on the banks of the Oostanaula River. Ridge Ferry Park is one of our favorite bike-riding and festival destinations. Ridge Ferry Park hosts a variety of events including an annual Cherokee powwow and one of our favorite art festivals, the Chiaha Harvest Fair.

The history of the Southeastern US is fascinating to me. I wish there were a movie about the Creek and Cherokee that told the whole story! The odd personalities and politics of the time, and the paradigm that almost took place. History certainly could have emerged quite differently had time favored the Cherokee. Unfortunately, the discovery of gold in their territory, and the general distaste for Native Americans by the current US President, Andrew Jackson, sealed the fate of the Cherokee.

If you would like a good post-Creek history of the region, the Chieftains museum is a must see destination. You should also consider visiting New Echota, the former capitol of the Cherokee Nation located in nearby Calhoun. For history about the natives that lived here prior to the Cherokee, take the short drive to see the Etowah Indian Mounds in Cartersville.

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Features	Rating (1-10)	Description
Official Website	9	The official Georgia Tribe of Eastern Cherokee have put together a very informative site. I wish there were more pictures and details, but it still does a good job of telling the story.
Facility	9	It's a 200+ year-old home, so it's not perfect. Its condition is amazing considering its age failed attempt by Union soldiers to destroy it during the Civil War. There is a small gift shop at the entry and a very knowledgeable hostess (at the time of our visit)
Places to camp near the Chieftains museum, Rome, and Ridge Ferry Park.	9	There are some pretty good places to camp near Rome. We haven't stayed there, but have heard great things about Floyd County's "Lock and Dam" park. We have camped at Rocky Mountain Recreation Area and James H Floyd State Park, both beautiful places to stay. If you are looking for full hookups and activities, Cedar Creek Park near Cave Spring is the place to stay.
Playground	9	There are two playgrounds at Ridge Ferry Park, and they are both awesome!
Fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, etc.	9	The adjacent Ridge Ferry Park provides access to the Oostanaula, Etowah, and Coosa Rivers. You can go all the way to the Gulf of Mexico by canoe from here.
Biking/Walking	9	The Heritage Trail run just down the hill from the museum. You can park in one of Ridge Ferry Park's lots, then ride your bike or walk the short distance to the museum. You can also ride or walk the Heritage Trail through Rome, across old bridges, and on the levees.
Local Attractions	10	Rome, Ridge Ferry Park, Heritage Trail (walking and bike path), Heritage Park, Rocky Mountain Recreation Area, James H Floyd State Park, Cedar Creek Park, Cave Spring, New Echota (Cherokee Capitol), Etowah Indian Mounds (Creek/Muskogee), and much more...
*Note: We rate only the amenities we have personally reviewed. No financial consideration or favor has been received for listing in PB&J Adventures' website. We are in no way affiliated with this facility or any other facility we review. Any paid advertising seen on this site was arranged after the destination was reviewed. You can trust the reviews to be unbiased.

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October 2011