06/13/2026
https://www.facebook.com/100064694346140/posts/1489248203241644/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v
Update: I had this highway sign picture about 4 years. I didn't go back & read it before l posted. The actual story of Alexander Sanders & Chief Doublehead is true. I'm leaving the sign up as a learning tool. Don't believe everything you read especially a sign from another state
Cherokee Chief Doublehead.
Doublehead was one of the most feared warriors of the Cherokee during the Cherokee–American wars. Following the peace treaty at the Tellico Blockhouse in 1794, he served as one of the leaders of the Chickamauga Cherokee, and was chosen as the leader of 'Chickamauga in 1802.
Living in the Overhill Towns on the Little Tennessee River, Doublehead sporadically took part in the campaigns of Dragging Canoe as they were under a flag of truce during an embassy to the State of Franklin in 1788, until the murder of his brother, and another pacifist chief, Abraham of Chilhowee. Thereafter, he became one of the most vicious fighters and most capable leaders of the Cherokee.
1788 Doublehead lead a party of warriors with those of Dragging Canoe in an assault on White's Fort in East Tennessee. Thereafter, he and his warriors operated somewhat independently, though occasionally joining Dragging Canoe's campaigns, operating from his new settlement of Coldwater at the head of the Muscle Shoals on the Tennessee River in what is now the state of Alabama. The location at the time was within the territory claimed by the Chickasaw, but Doublehead solved that problem by marrying two daughters to George Colbert, the chief of the Chickasaw town at the foot of the Shoals. Doublehead's band included not only Cherokee, but Muskogee, Shawnee, and renegade Chickasaw (whose council and chiefs were adamantly opposed to the wars).
In 1791, Doublehead began operating closely with the parties of his great-nephew, Bob Benge, who was to become one of the most feared warriors on the frontier, and Benge's brother, The Tail, who was then based in Willstown. Doublehead was also among a delegation of Cherokees who visited U.S. President George Washington in Philadelphia.
Following the death of Dragging Canoe in 1792, he became part of a triumvirate of leaders among the Chickamauga, along with Bloody Fellow and his nephew, John Watts, who was recognized as the chief of them.
September 1792, Watts orchestrated a large campaign into the Cumberland region of combined Cherokee and Muskogee forces which included a contingent of cavalry. It was to be a three-pronged attack in which Talotiskee of the Muskogee (who was either a Creek chief or a relative of Doublehead by that name) led a force to ambush the Kentucky road; Middle Striker led another to do the same on the Walton road; while Watts himself led the main army which was made up of 280 Cherokee, Shawnee, and Muskogee warriors and cavalry, against a settlement on the Cumberland River known as Buchanan's Station on Sept. 30, 1792. Among the attackers were the Shawnee Warrior and Dragging Canoe's brother, Little Owl, all of whom died in the encounter. Also killed in the attack was Pumpkin Boy, a younger brother of Doublehead.
On an earlier occasion, Doublehead, Pumpkin Boy, and their nephew Bob Benge had led a raid into southwestern Kentucky during which their warriors, in an act initiated by Doublehead, cannibalized the enemies they had just killed. Their act was in imitation of the Iroquois, particularly the Mohawk, who was alleged to have done so to intimidate their enemies especially during the Beaver Wars. Though every warrior present partook, Benge never operated with Doublehead afterward, sickened at his actions and at his own, nor did the later leader, The Ridge, who also took part.
In 1807 a Cherokee faction led by James Vann, Major Ridge, and Alexander Saunders decided Doublehead should die for his crimes of accepting bribes, cannibalism, and murder. Vann had a family score to settle also. Doublehead had married a sister to Vann’s wife and had treated her brutally, beating her to death while she was pregnant.
August 9, 1807, Ridge and Saunders arrived at McIntosh’s Tavern on the Hiwassee and waited for the opportunity assassinate Doublehead, who had been playing ball 3 miles away where he had killed a man called Bone-Polisher. Therefore, he didn’t arrive until after dark, half drunk. When Doublehead walked through the door Ridge blew out the candle in the Tavern and fired a shot at Doublehead which shattered his jaw. Having thought they killed him, they slipped out into the dark.
However, they soon learned the tavern keeper had moved the wounded Chief to his house and then again to the loft of a Mr. Black, who taught in Gideon Blackburn School. By then, two men from Bone Polisher’s clan had joined them and together they rushed the room where Doublehead lay. As they approached, the wounded chief sprang up, drew a dirk, and tried to draw a pistol but was caught up in the sheet around him. Both Ridge and Saunders leveled their guns at him but misfired. Doublehead then grappled with Ridge but Saunders drove his tomahawk into Doublehead’s skull.
After the killing, most of the Cherokees felt it was justified and his relatives were not forced by clan responsibility to exact revenge.
