When American settlers first came to the area of land south of the Hiwassee and Tennessee rivers known as the Ocoee District, it was mostly populated by Cherokee Indians. 
The new settlers created unrest among the tribe. Aware that they would soon be forced to surrender this land to the United States, the Cherokee tribe was divided into two groups. While some decided to move to west of the Mississippi, others wanted to stay and fight against removal.
A council was held at Red Clay Park in 1834 and a treaty was made ceding all land to the United States. The Cherokees consider Red Clay Park sacred ground and it was here that the Trail of Tears, the forced migration of the Cherokee from this land to modern day Oklahoma began.
After the treaty signed at Red Clay was deemed valid by the United States Government settlers began to enter the nation to build Bradley County and the towns of Cleveland and Ooltewah Tennessee.
Bradley County was officially created in February 1836. Its name honored Colonel Edward Bradley, a Revolutionary War veteran who served with Andrew Jackson during the War of 1812.
Soon after the county's creation, a log courthouse was erected upon the southwest corner of the public square. This served the county until 1839, when a brick building was erected. It was then one of the best structures of it's kind in East Tennessee. A jail was built in the same year, solidifying the creation of this new American city.
Bradley County continues to focus on keeping its community crime free with the help of their current Sheriff Tim Gobble.
The excellent school system of Bradley County originated in a single house where school was taught until the completion of Oak Grove Academy in 1840. The current Board of Education was created 40 years later in 1882.
The first bank established in Cleveland was the Ocoee Bank, Started in 1855. The first official newspaper was the Banner, a Democratic paper established in 1854. In 1872 a Republican paper was established called Commercial Republican, eventually to changing it's name to the Herald.
 During the civil war Cleveland suffered severely. The country for miles around was laid waste, troops were quartered in churches and public buildings; property was destroyed and business practically stopped.
As soon as peace returned, the work of restoration began, re-creating a town that has continued to prosper to this day. It is now one of the most beautiful towns in Tennessee. Downtown Cleveland is a quaint and historic city center filled with shops and restaurants and rich in the history of the development of the state of Tennessee.
Religion has always played an important role in Bradley County's history. In fact the organization of churches had begun several years before the emigration of the Cherokees.Three denominations maintain their headquarters in the county: the Church of God, the Church of God of Prophecy, and the Church of God Jerusalem Acres.
 There are many historical churches listed on the National Register of Historic Places located in Cleveland including; The Broad st. United Methodist Church, The first Presbyterian Church and St. Luke's Episcopal church, built in 1878 by J.H. Craigmiles in memory of his daughter.

Financing Your Home >The Language of Financing
When you meet with a lender to apply for financing, you may feel as if you are in a foreign country when the loan officer begins to talk about points, Regulation Z margins, PMI, and ARMs.
You are not alone if you feel left behind by loan terminology. Like many professionals, lenders use a highly specialized language. Don't hesitate to ask for a translation! This is especially true if you are investigating some of the more complicated loans with rates that can be adjusted periodically. As you consider the various loan options, find out what the interest rate will be and at what point the lender will commit to that rate. If the loan has an adjustable rate, be sure that you understand how often the rate will adjust, and by how much your payments may go up. Find out if the loan can be assumed by a future buyer. The lender isn't trying to confuse you. The mortgage process is complicated, so just keep asking questions until you understand.
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Fewer than 2 percent of homeowners build this type of home:
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Fewer than 2 percent build a custom home; most buy an older home or select from a home builder's menu. |
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