Only a short distance behind today’s busy traffic in Rossville, Ga., is an impressive old log house that many people pass each day with little notice. But those who know the history of the area point to it proudly as the oldest surviving structure in Northwest Georgia.
The construction of the house reportedly began in 1797. It was to become a home, post office, store, school and council room. It is known today as the “John Ross House.”
The name comes from a descendant of a Scot frontier trader and his Cherokee Indian wife.
John Ross (1790-1866) established a trading post and ferry on the bank of the Tennessee River near the end of today’s Broad Street. That settlement was known as Ross’s Landing – and was to become the city of Chattanooga.
John Ross was noted as principal chief of the Cherokee Indians, and went to Washington, D.C., to appeal for the Cherokees. But the Cherokees were removed to Oklahoma in 1838 on what was to become known in history as the “Trail of Tears.”
Rossville’s John Ross House has been listed by the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation on its “Places in Peril” list.
It is hoped that this very important historic structure will receive the attention it needs to remain for many years as a reminder of our very important local and national history.