Nancy Ward (Cherokee name, Nanye-hi, c. 1738 to 1822 or 1824) was a "beloved woman" of the Cherokee. As such, she wielded a great deal of political influence and respect among her people. She was also a legendary military leader. While an advocate of peace between the Cherokee and the United States, she grew to oppose the sale of Cherokee land to whites.
Nancy Ward was part of a group of Cherokee that traveled the Tennessee River to Oothcalooga in Georgia to meet Same Houston in June, 1814. As such, she was part of the running battle between the Cherokee and a group of Chickasaw seeking vengeance. During the trip, she offered counsel to Tiana Rogers, who was uncertain about her feelings for Sam Houston. When the group finally met Houston, Ward assured Houston she was not going to continue on with him to Washington, but convinced Houston to take Tiana Rogers.
