East Texas Historical Journal Volume 3 Issue 1 Article 6 3-1965 The Texas-Cherokee War of 1839 Mabilyn M. Sibley Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/ethj Part of the United States History Commons Tell us how this article helped you. Recommended Citation Sibley, Mabilyn M. (1965) "The Texas-Cherokee War of 1839," East Texas Historical Journal: Vol. 3 : Iss. 1 , Article 6. Available at: https://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/ethj/vol3/iss1/6 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the History at SFA ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in East Texas Historical Journal by an authorized editor of SFA ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact
[email protected]. 18 East Texas Hiswrica,Z Jowrnal THE TEXAS·CHEROKEE WAR OF 1839 MABILYN McADAMl! SIBLE£ Against the broad background of American history, the Texas-Cherokee war is only one of many actions by which the Indian was driven from the land by the white man. The Cherokees have commanded more than the Indian's usual share of sympathy, however, because of several unusual circumstances. They were not on their native hunting grounds, but-like most Texans--were immigrants from the United States. They were semi civilized and had made repeated efforts to secure legal title to their lands. Furthermore, they claimed as a kinsman Sam Houston, the great war hero of their antagonists, and it is largely through his eyes that they are viewed by history. The brief military action in the summer of 1839 contrasts Houston's Indian policy sharply with that of Lamar, his successor.