The Wildest Woman in America and the Fight for Cumberland Island

Nancy Ward was born in 1738 in the Cherokee village of Chota, in what is now Tennessee. Her father was a Cherokee chief, and her mother was a white woman who had been captured by the Cherokees as a child. Nancy was raised in the Cherokee tradition, and she learned to speak Cherokee, hunt, and farm. She was also a skilled orator and diplomat.

In the 1770s, the American Revolution began, and the Cherokees were divided over whether to support the Americans or the British. Nancy Ward was one of the leaders who urged her people to remain neutral. She argued that the Cherokees should not take sides in a conflict that was not their own.

Untamed: The Wildest Woman in America and the Fight for Cumberland Island

by Will Harlan

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5521 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	372 pages
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However, some Cherokee leaders ignored Nancy's advice and joined the American cause. This led to a series of bloody battles between the Cherokees and the Americans. In 1776, the Americans burned the Cherokee village of Chota, and Nancy Ward's home was destroyed. She and her family were forced to flee to the mountains.

After the war, Nancy Ward continued to work for peace between the Cherokees and the Americans. She traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with President George Washington and other government officials. She also spoke out against the government's policy of removing Native Americans from their land.

In the 1790s, Nancy Ward became involved in a fight to save Cumberland Island, a barrier island off the coast of Georgia. The island was home to a large population of Cherokee people, and it was also a valuable piece of land for settlers. A group of developers wanted to buy the island and turn it into a resort.

Nancy Ward led the fight against the developers. She traveled to Washington, D.C., to lobby Congress for help. She also organized protests and rallies on the island. Her efforts were successful, and in 1802, Congress passed a law that protected Cumberland Island from development.

Nancy Ward continued to fight for the rights of the Cherokee people until her death in 1822. She was a tireless advocate for peace, justice, and the preservation of Native American culture. She is known as one of the most important figures in Cherokee history.

Legacy

Nancy Ward's legacy continues to inspire people today. She is a role model for Native Americans and for all people who fight for justice and equality. Her story is a reminder that one person can make a difference. Her centennial anniversary was celebrated in 1938 by the State of Tennessee, and a memorial to her was dedicated in the Georgia State Capitol in 1975.

Cumberland Island National Seashore was established in 1972 to protect the island's natural and cultural resources. The island is now a popular destination for tourists and nature lovers. Visitors can hike, camp, swim, and fish on the island. They can also visit the ruins of the Dungeness mansion, which was built by the developer who wanted to turn the island into a resort.

Nancy Ward's fight to save Cumberland Island is a reminder that we all have a responsibility to protect our environment and our cultural heritage. Her legacy continues to inspire people today to fight for what they believe in.

Images

Untamed: The Wildest Woman in America and the Fight for Cumberland Island

by Will Harlan

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5521 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	372 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE