1789-1839. By William G. McLoughlin.
Norman, OK: University of Oklahoma
Press (1005 Asp Avenue, 73019-
0445), 1995. Paperbound. 375 Pp.
ISBN Number 0-8061-2723-6. $18.95.
William McLoughlin describes in detail
the interaction between missionaries
and the Cherokee between 1789 and
1839. Using primary materials as well
as numerous scholarly treatises on the
Cherokee and the missionaries who
inhabited their country during this
time period, he provides a thorough
overview, written from both the
Cherokee and the missionary
perspectives, of the government’s
efforts to acculturate the Cherokee.
McLoughlin brings to light the lack of
separation of church and state in
regards to federal Indian policy by
using primary references to outline the
fact that, though not actually funded
until 1819, missionaries were a part of
George Washington’s Indian
policy from the very beginning.
Washington’s aim was to completely
transform the Cherokee from a people
who relied almost wholly on hunting as
a way of life into one who relied on
farming. This transition would, in the
Government’s perspective, result
in much surplus Cherokee hunting
land which could be acquired and
turned over to white hands.
Although missionary efforts met with
much skepticism amongst the
Cherokee people, the missionaries,
using the promise of schools to
educate the Cherokee youth, made
their way onto Cherokee land. Once
there, they and their religious
teachings were hard to remove.
Concessions were made by both the
Cherokee and the missionaries as the
invasion of foreign people and religion
slowly gained momentum. The
Cherokee; in the midst of tribal
factionalism, shrinking land holdings,
and the imminent loss of their
ancient ways; were able to take some
of the knowledge they gained from the
missionary efforts and utilize it to at
least delay the encroaching white tide.
The missionaries, although dissatisfied
with the speed of their
accomplishments, took some
consolation in those converts they
could save from “savagery” and lead
into the ways of their “superior” white
God.
Although lacking in maps or other
illustrations, this book is an excellent
reference to this tumultuous time in
Cherokee history. It contains
numerous footnotes and
extensive bibliographic references. It
would be a valued addition to the
collection of anyone interested in this
time in history.
Anita Cheek Moon, Member
Reviewers’ Consortium
