10/12/2026
“There is no difference between…us, we are both alike, the blood flows in their veins as in ours….”—Ostenaco, at October 1765 treaty negotiation.
Ostenaco was a Cherokee leader and diplomat born in Tellico. Known as “Outacite” by the 1750s, he played a key role in representing Cherokee interests by leading trade negotiations with the British.
He fought with the British during the Seven Years War. However, tensions escalated between Cherokees and the British, resulting in conflict. Ostenaco helped lead attacks on Fort Loudoun in 1760. Later he negotiated peace with the British, even traveling to England to meet with King George III.
Ostenaco continued participating in trade talks and endured settlers’ increasing demands for land. During the American Revolution, Cherokees allied with the British, and Dragging Canoe and his supporters fought settlers. Ostenaco and other Cherokee leaders signed a peace treaty with American authorities in May 1777. However, by June 1777, he moved to a community founded by Dragging Canoe’s supporters. Ostenaco died about 1780, likely from smallpox.
Visitors to the Museum's "Tennessee Voices, American Stories" exhibition can learn more about his life and view a 1766 engraving of Ostenaco on display.
