The Cherokee Legion was formed by volunteers primarily from Cherokee County, Georgia, to resist the Union incursion into northern Georgia during 1863. The Legion was mustered for six months service within an area bounded by the borders of the state north of a line from West Point, Georgia, to the Elbert County Courthouse, to the Savannah River. It was not a unit composed of members of the Cherokee Nation, except that individual members may have been all or part Cherokee. The Legion did most of its service around Rome, Georgia, and apparently saw no significant action.  Service with the Cherokee Legion will qualify its members' male descendants  for membership in the Sons of Confederate Veterans.

Over 700 men and boys reported for enlistment of which only 200 were needed. Many were "detailed" to get the Legion down to authorized strength. Many men who enlisted were deferred because of their age, being below 18 or infirm. Others who enlisted were soon conscripted into regular service in the Confederate Army. Some enlisted in one company only to be mustered into another. Some went on to serve in the regular Confederate service after their service in the Legion ended, so this record may not be all that is available.

A complete, definitive treatise on the Cherokee Legion is available for purchase from the author, Mr. Pat Cates. This book contains the complete muster lists, including the youngsters who enlisted but who were not allowed to serve, as well as copies of historical documents and maps. Copies may be ordered for $20.00 postpaid. Mr. Cates' address is: 174 Beaver Pond Rd., Woodstock, GA, 30188. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the book go to support the preservation activities of the the local Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 914. 

You are history buff to visit the Cherokee Legion home page since March 1, 2005.

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Revised: 01 Dec 2008 08:02:47 -0800 .