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The Reader’s Notebook: John Ross

Cherokee chief John Ross battled the U.S. government for decades on behalf of his people.
The Art Archive
/
NPR
Cherokee chief John Ross battled the U.S. government for decades on behalf of his people.

John Ross was the Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation from 1828 to 1866; he served longer in that position than any other person. Described as the Moses of his people, Ross influenced the nation through such tumultuous events as the relocation to Indian Territory and the American Civil War.