Jesse Chisholm
Jesse Chisholm was a half-blood Cherokee born in Tennessee who significantly contributed to the interactions between various Native American tribes in the mid-19th century. Before the Trail of Tears, he moved to the western Indian Territory and later married a Creek woman. Chisholm became a prominent trader, working with Plains Indian tribes and acquiring proficiency in fourteen languages, which established him as a key interpreter in intertribal communications. His language skills were particularly influential during efforts to foster peace among the tribes, notably during the Grand Council in 1853, where he served as the interpreter. Additionally, Chisholm operated a trading post near Wichita, Kansas. He is also known for creating a major cattle-driving route from Texas to Kansas, which later became known as the Chisholm Trail. Jesse Chisholm passed away in 1868, leaving behind a legacy as a bridge between cultures during a transformative period in American history.
Jesse Chisholm
- Born: c. 1805
- Birthplace: Southeastern Tennessee
- Died: March 4, 1868
- Place of death: Near Norman, Indian Territory (now in Oklahoma)
Category: Trader, interpreter
Tribal affiliation: Cherokee
Significance: Chisholm’s work as a trader and his ability as an interpreter carried his influence far beyond the reach of his own Cherokee tribe
Jesse Chisholm, a half-blood Cherokee born in Tennessee, traveled to the western Indian Territory before the Trail of Tears of 1838-1839. After marrying a Creek woman, he traded with the Plains Indian tribes of the West. In the course of that work, he learned fourteen different languages, which enabled him to become an interpreter.
Chisholm’s language abilities made him a vital part of Creek efforts to establish peace among the tribes of the Plains. In 1853, he was sent to the Comanche to help make arrangements for the Grand Council, which was held at the Salt Plains in June, 1853. Here Creek leaders met with delegations from many of the Plains tribes. Chisholm was the interpreter for all of the tribes.
Chisholm had a trading post near Wichita, Kansas. In 1865, he drove a wagon from Texas to his trading post. Texas cattlemen followed the ruts left by Chisholm’s wagon to get their cattle to Wichita, and the route became the famous Chisholm Trail. Jesse Chisholm died in 1868.