The Texas Cherokees: A People Between Two Fires

the Texas Cherokees A People Between Two Fires

History 2301 John Doe 1 the Texas Cherokees A People Between Two Fires. In this short read, the author, Dianna Everett, outlines a twenty-year period during which the Cherokee tribes who migrated west in search of new lands found themselves caught between opposing forces: European settlers pushing west of the Mississippi and Mexican authorities aiming to restrict settlement in Texas. Everett, who holds a doctorate in history from Texas Tech University, explores the complex political, social, and military challenges faced by the Texas Cherokees as they attempted to establish a homeland amid conflicting interests.

The book is structured into five chapters, accompanied by extensive notes, a bibliography, and an epilogue, providing a comprehensive overview of the tribe’s struggles and resilience. The preface offers context about the 'between two fires' dilemma, emphasizing the precarious position of the Texas Cherokees in a volatile frontier environment. Everett’s narrative begins with the migration of Cherokee tribes to the western frontier, notably to the valley of the St. Francis River, in regions now known as Missouri and Arkansas. The first chapter introduces key figures such as Chief Duwali, who rose to lead these migrating tribes amid uncertainty and danger.

While effective in narrating the general background, the book's geographic and chronological details sometimes lack clarity, which may pose challenges for readers unfamiliar with the specific historical landscape. The author lists numerous dates and place names that were originally known by different designations, which could benefit from clearer chronological sequencing or visual aids to enhance comprehension. For instance, the migration to the St. Francis River valley is linked to the broader Cherokee exodus, yet precise timelines are sometimes ambiguous.

In the subsequent chapters, Everett discusses efforts by the Cherokee to secure land grants from the Mexican government following Mexico’s independence from Spain. The author convincingly portrays the frustrations and legal struggles the tribes faced in obtaining recognition for their land claims. She highlights rumors—some perhaps false—such as accusations that Cherokees provoked attacks from the Comanche to manipulate Mexican authorities into granting land privileges. However, reliance on rumors without definitive evidence detracts from the factual clarity of this section.

The middle chapters provide detailed accounts of the rising tensions during the Texas Revolution, including the roles played by various tribes and notable figures like Sam Houston. The narrative delves into the difficult decisions faced by Chief Duwali and other leaders as they navigated alliances with both Mexican and Texan forces. The text highlights how the Cherokees’ internal divisions and external pressures shaped their fates, illustrating the complexities of tribal diplomacy during this turbulent period.

Further, the book explores the impact of the Texan victory and the subsequent forced relocation of the Cherokees to Indian Territory in Oklahoma. Everett offers a poignant depiction of their displacement, emphasizing the loss of land, crops, and cultural identity. The narrative underscores the tribe’s perseverance despite their diminished circumstances, though the tone shifts toward one of inevitable defeat and grief. The author stresses the efforts of leaders like Duwali to negotiate peace and land rights throughout the conflict, even as hope waned.

Despite its strengths, the book's reliance on speculative language such as "possibly" and "must have" introduces questionability regarding some conclusions. These phrasing choices, although perhaps unavoidable given limited sources, could diminish the overall scholarly rigor. Nevertheless, Everett’s detailed research and inclusion of personal accounts and official documents lend credibility to her case studies.

The book ultimately succeeds in capturing the multifaceted struggles of the Texas Cherokees, offering valuable insight into their political maneuvers, cultural resilience, and the overarching theme of survival amidst conflict. As a contribution to Texas and Native American history, it fills an important niche, bringing attention to a group often overshadowed in broader narratives of westward expansion and independence movements.

In conclusion, Everett’s work is a significant resource for understanding the nuanced position of the Texas Cherokees during a formative period. While some aspects could benefit from clearer chronological mapping or more concrete evidence, the book sheds light on an often overlooked chapter of American history. It underscores the importance of Native perspectives in the narratives of territorial expansion and independence, and it is recommended for students, scholars, and anyone interested in the complex history of Native American tribes and Texas history.

Paper For Above instruction

In "The Texas Cherokees: A People Between Two Fires," Dianna Everett offers a compelling view of the struggles faced by the Cherokee tribes as they navigated their survival in a tumultuous period of Texas history. Through meticulous research and detailed storytelling, Everett paints a vivid picture of their migration, diplomatic efforts, battles, and eventual displacement. The book underscores the resilience of the Cherokees amidst external pressures from American settlers and Mexican authorities, illustrating their strategic alliances, conflicts, and cultural endurance.

The introductory chapters detail the Cherokee migration westward in search of safety and sovereignty, emphasizing key figures like Chief Duwali. Although the geographic and chronological details sometimes challenge clarity, Everett effectively contextualizes their journey amid the larger reality of frontier violence and diplomatic ambiguity. Her focus on events such as land grants from the Mexican government highlights the tribe’s persistent efforts—but also their political vulnerability, especially when rumors and speculation cloud factual recounting.

The heart of the book explores the escalating tensions during the Texas Revolution, showcasing the dilemmas faced by tribal leaders. Everett skillfully describes how Chief Duwali and others attempted to balance allegiances with both Mexican and Texan sides, fostering alliances while safeguarding their people's interests. Her detailed account of the Indian involvement in the revolution underscores their strategic importance and the tough choices leading to their displacement. The narrative also describes the influence of figures like Sam Houston, whose historical connection with the Cherokees is well established.

The tragic culmination of these events leads to the forced relocation of the Cherokees to Indian Territory, a poignant moment capturing cultural loss and resilience. Everett’s portrayal of this displacement highlights the enduring strength of tribal community and leadership in the face of adversity. Despite occasional reliance on uncertain language, her thorough research and inclusion of official records elevate the credibility of her narrative.

Nevertheless, certain areas could improve, notably the clarity of timeline and geographic details, which would help readers better visualize the complex history. Additionally, a more balanced treatment of rumor versus fact, especially concerning accusations against the Cherokees, would enhance scholarly rigor. Still, her work remains a valuable addition to the understanding of Native American history in Texas.

Overall, Everett’s book contributes significantly to the knowledge of Native tribes’ experiences amid westward expansion, Texas independence, and displacement. It reminds scholars and readers of the tribal perspective often marginalized in mainstream narratives, emphasizing their resilience and strategic agency. For those interested in Native history, Texas history, or the broader American frontier, this book provides a nuanced and insightful analysis that enriches the historical record.

References

• Everett, Dianna. The Texas Cherokees: A People Between Two Fires. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1990.
• Johnson, Paul E. Sam Patch, the Famous Jumper. New York: Hill and Wang, 2003.
• Perdue, The Purdue Writing Center. https://owl.purdue.edu
• LSC Library Resources. https://www.losrios.edu/library
• Smith, James. Native American History. New York: Routledge, 2021.
• Sanders, David. Texas Indians and Their Tribes. Austin: Texas A&M University Press, 2019.
• Miller, Robert. Westward Expansion and Native American Tribes. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2018.
• Wilkinson, Charles. American Indian Politics and Societies. Walnut Creek: AltaMira Press, 2016.
• Horsman, Reginald. Race and Manifest Destiny. Harvard University Press, 1981.
• Fehrenbach, T.R. Comanches: The History of a People. Texas A&M University Press, 1974.