chapter history

Promoting Historic Preservation, Education and Patriotism


	Cavett Station Chapter Knoxville, Tennessee

	Daughters of the American Revolution


	Chapter History - Organized November 14, 1959

The Cavett Station Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution was organized November 14, 1959. It was named for the brave Alexander Cavett family who was killed in an Indian attack on September 25, 1793 near White’s Fort in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Alexander Cavett immigrated to this area the later part of 1700 and built a cabin on 320 acres on what is now Broome Road. On a level plat near his cabin was the maneuvering ground of the local



	This statue at Knoxville’s Holston Park depicts the Treaty of Holston negotiations. (Photo courtesy of TN History for Kids.)

militia. They met to “drill” in preparation of a feared Indian invasion, as the Indians were angry over the Treaty of Holston, which removed them from this area and drove them north of the Clinch River.

In the early morning of September 25, 1793, the militia’s fears were realized when about 1,500 Creek and Cherokee warriors marched eastward planning to attack White’s Fort, now known as James White Fort in Knoxville.
Chief Hanging Man, Chief Double Head, and John Watts, a man of both Indian and white descent, led this band.

As they neared their point of attack, a dispute arose among them as to their plan of aggression on the fort -- whether only the men were to be slaughtered or if all the occupants should be massacred.

As the night faded into day, they realized it had grown too late for an evening attack so the Indians turned all their fury on the first cabin in their path, which was that of Alexander Cavett.

At the time, fourteen people were in the house including three adults who offered strong resistance as the enemy attacked. A plan of surrender was presented and accepted, but the fury continued and the aim was on each occupant as they reached the door. As a result, thirteen members of the household and two Indians lay dead.

The following is the wording from a marker placed within the cemetery:

In Grateful Memory to the Defenders of Cavett’s Blockhouse

Upon this spot stood the house of Alexander Cavett, who was murdered together with two men and the Cavett family of twelve, September 25th 1793 after heroic resistance against a combined Creek and Cherokee force numbering one thousand warriors, thereby insuring failure of the intended attack upon the town of Knoxville.

Erected by the Tennessee Society of Sons of the Revolution
September 25, 1921


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