Cherokee Chieftain

Cleveland, Tennessee, United States

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Listed, not yet checked · Oct 2026

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The Cherokee Chieftain, a carved oak figure by sculptor Peter 'Wolf' Toth from his Trail of the Whispering Giants, stands on the front lawn of the Museum Center at 5ive Points, 200 Inman Street East, Cleveland, Tennessee. It was presented to the city in 1974.

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Cherokee Chieftain

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Site-level location · 35.1579° N, 84.8742° W

FIELD GUIDE

The story

Cleveland's Cherokee Chieftain has been moved twice, repaired more than once, and appears on the city's seal. It now stands on the front lawn of the Museum Center at 5ive Points. The carving is by Peter 'Wolf' Toth, who made at least one statue in each of the 50 states; the works are known collectively as the Trail of the Whispering Giants, according to the National Park Service.

The National Park Service and Visit Cleveland give 1974 as the year the Chieftain was presented to the city as a gift. The Cleveland Daily Banner says Toth sculpted it from a large oak tree in 1973, and Visit Cleveland says it was carved from a tree along Parker Street. Visit Cleveland calls it one of the focal points of downtown Cleveland and a reminder of the region's Cherokee heritage.

The figure has not always stood outside the museum. The Banner reports that it was first displayed in front of the historic Craigmiles House, site of the former history branch of the county library, then moved to Johnston Park, and later to its present site. NewsChannel 9 reported in 2018 that the city had invited Toth back to counter the effects of weather and age, and that the city seal features the Chieftain.

The Banner reported in November 2023 that the statue is owned by the city and was on loan to the museum until 2026, and that the council had considered moving it indoors to the former Cherokee Hotel, a plan the museum opposed; the city manager said no immediate decision had been made.

In March 2024 the Banner reported that the city council had approved $4,500 to rehabilitate the "50-year-old" carving: pressure washing to remove dirt and mold, wood epoxy to fill cracks, a natural-colour stain and treatment against insects.

The museum has permanent and temporary exhibits on the Ocoee region, including Cherokee history, according to the National Park Service. The Chieftain stands outside it at 200 Inman Street East.

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PRACTICAL

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WHAT TO EXPECT

A carved wood figure on the front lawn of the Museum Center at 5ive Points. Inside, the museum has exhibits on the history of the Ocoee region, including Cherokee history, according to the National Park Service. The city council approved funds to rehabilitate it in March 2024.

ACCESS

On the front lawn of the Museum Center at 5ive Points, 200 Inman Street East, Cleveland, Tennessee. Visitors should check the museum for its opening hours.

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