To preserve and interpret the story of 19th Century Cherokee through the life and home of the Ridge Family.
Our Goal is:
To become a nationally recognized destination to experience 19th century Cherokee life and the events leading to the "clash of
cultures" that culminated in the Trail of Tears.
On October 29th, 2002 Chieftains Museum announced its participation with the National Park Service as a site on the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. At that time we also officially changed our name to Chieftains Museum / Major Ridge Home and announced the revised mission statement above. These changes reflect our strengthened commitment to presenting and preserving Cherokee history and culture.
At the core of the house is a two-story “dogtrot” log cabin that once served as the home of prominent Cherokee leader Major Ridge and his family. The house has “grown” significantly since Ridge’s departure and important examples of Northwest Georgia architecture can be seen in the various additions to the structure. It is the connection with the Cherokees, however, that gives the site a prominent position in America’s history.
Today Chieftains Museum / Major Ridge Home is open to the public as a historic site and interpretive museum for a nominal charge thirty hours per week. The museum presents interpretive exhibits (permanent and temporary), educational programs, and special events that pertain to the Ridge family and Cherokee history and culture. Read about our "vision for the future" on our Heritage Page.
501 Riverside Parkway, P.O. Box 373 • Rome, Georgia 30162-0373
Office: 706/291-9494 • Fax: 706/291-2410 • Email: info@chieftainsmuseum.org
Director: Claudia M. Oakes • Programs Coordinator: Debby Brown