Council House

Cherokee Council House

The Cherokee Nation built its council house at “New Town” in 1819, before the seat of government was officially moved to New Echota. 

Major Ridge, one of the most prominent Cherokee leaders of the early 1800s, led the very first processional of tribal officials into the Council House.  

The Council House was located at the center of the community, which was divided into a series of streets and lots. Many important meetings were held in the Council House, along with many historic Tribal gatherings

From 1819 to 1835, this was arguably the single most important building in the entire Cherokee Nation.