This treaty defined the western boundary of settlement for the United States, and tried to calm the Cherokee Nation who had witnessed the erosion of the Treaty of Hopewell.

At the time this treaty was signed, the Cherokee, mostly the Lower Towns, were in open revolt, attacking and being attacked by the settlers.

In 1792 the treaty was amended to include an increase in the annuity paid the Cherokee from $1000.00 to $1500.00.