Cherokee Indian Chief Redfeather became a famous war chief . Because of my x-husbands family connection to this Indian Chief, Redfeather, I wanted my children to know the history. I could see in my father-in-law, Hugh Weatherford, the strong features of the Cherokee Indian in him and his brothers. Cherokee Indian Chief Redfeather was his great grandfather or maybe great, great grandfather.
Told stories of a famous Cherokee Indian Chief Redfeather many times in my married life by the Weatherford family. Redfeather’s other name was Willliam Weatherford and was their distant relative.
The Legend of Cherokee Indian Chief Redfeather
It is said that long ago, a young Cherokee by the name of Redfeather was living a rather quiet life in the flat lands with his tribe. It is told that a vision changed his whole life .
This vision had told him of a land of far north that was full of clear water, and bountiful with fish and game for as far as the eye could see. So Redfeather and his followers made the trek northward.
Redfeather was made a chief. and is tribe prospered in the gentle valleys that the area offered.
The tribe clamed the area now known as Red Feather Lakes named after him. It is said the other tribes and travelers alike loved him for his gentle nature and a giving spirit. But when wars occurred he became a fierce warrior. He led his tribe to victory over many who would try to take their land.
The Word Spread of a Cherokee Indian Chief Redfeather
The word spread about Redfeather’s mountain utopia and soon more challenges for the land increased. But battle after battle this Cherokee Chief Redfeather and his tribe ended them in victory.
One very well planned attaché by the Pawnees caught the Cherokees by surprise. This lead to a long exhausting battle between the two tribes. Redfeather fought heroically and the Pawnees eventually fled; however, Chief Redfeather was killed on the battle field leading his Charokee tribe to the finish.
Red Feather Lakes
A town now called Red Feather Lakes. The town has taken the legend of this great Cherokee Indian Chief with them throughout history. Native Americans, (Cherokees) hunters and trappers passed through the Red Feather Lakes .Colorado area until the middle of the 19th century. The first known settler was John Hardin, who built a cabin about 2 miles (3 km) from the current Red Feather Lakes village in 1871.The display his namesake proudly. And the people who live there in this area display the self-sufficiency and the courage handed down by the Cherokees who settled the land.
The Historical Society of Red Feather Lake has a wonderful compilation of stories, legends and history. The below is from the Red Feather Lakes brochure by the museum.
“Story of “Redfeather” – Romantic Cherokee Chief
“Many moons ago in the gentle Southland, where young Redfeather wooed his Cherokee sweetheart, the Great Spirit appeared in a vision and revealed the whereabouts of a veritable Fishing and Hunting Paradise, hidden from the covetous eyes of mortals, far toward the North Star in the home of the Bear, the Beaver and the Buffalo. “Go, Redfeather,” he commanded, “take the trail to the sunset that winds up into the clouds. There you will find golden sunshine, laughing waters filed with fishes and emerald forests crowded with game.” The vision gloriously fulfilled. The Mountain Lakes Empire claimed for the Cherokees by Chief Redfeather,So even to this day, courier winds carry a message promising reward to those who follow the trail of Redfeather.”
The Children of Cherokee Indian Chief Redfeather
Legend says Redfeather fathered children from two Creek women. “Red Eagle” (William, Jr) being one of his sons.
In 1851 “Red Eagle’s” children, therefore went to court over inheritance ( questioned by half siblings). The court recognized “Red Eagle” William Jr as a Creek Chief, as the son of William Sr “Redfeather” However he lost his petition due to the lack of legal evidence concerning the marriage of his biological mother to “Redfeather”. In addition, The case went to the Alabama Supreme court !! The legal proceedings unexpected window on the intersection of two cultural and legal systems: Creek Indian and Euro-American.
“Chief Red Eagle (Upper Creek towns) led in the Creek War against Lower Creek towns and against allied forces of the United States.
He led the Red Stick Creek attach against Fort Mims which thereby transforming a civil war amount the Creeks.
The Redfeather Mountain Lakes Association produced a promotional brochure in the early 1900’s (exact date is not available) telling the legend of Redfeather…
The full text of the brochure available for download (pdf) the legend fully describes along with the splendors of living in Red Feather Lakes.
Cherokee Indian Chief Redfeather’s Legacy Continues
The name William Weatherford
The name William Weatherford used today down the family lines in honor of the Chief and to remember him.
In Conclusion
Cherokee Indian Chief Redfeather’s history was an interesting research for my children to have.
I plan to make a trip sometime to Red Feather Lake hopefully taking my children and grandchildren so they can read the history of the famous Cherokee Indian Chief, “Red Feather”, William Weatherford.
For more interesting articles sign up now for my newsletters.
