The Chieftains, also known as Major Ridge Home, is a part of the Cherokee Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. It is one of the most historic places in the area, being the former residence of a significant individual in the Native American history, Major Ridge.

It may seem quite different from all the other Native American historical sites, but it must be noted that Major Ridge is one of those who assimilated during the colonial era. He was a plantation and slave owner, he was also a part of the Cherokee triumvirate, and a signer of the Treaty of New Echota that forced the dwindling Cherokee population to leave their tribal lands and relocate to the Indian Territory.

The Chieftains building was constructed in 1792, and was opened as a museum in 1971.