Attakullakulla (c1712-c1778), also known as Ada-gal'kala or "Little Carpenter" by colonists, was an influential Overhill Cherokee leader, warrior, and diplomat. On behalf of his uncle, Concotocko of Chota, the leading trade commissioner or so-called "emperor" of the Cherokee, Attakullakulla negotiated for the Cherokee to join the British side in the French and Indian War. In exchange, the colonists agreed to build a fort for the Cherokee called Fort Loudoun near the Overhill Cherokee towns.

During the war, Attakullakulla led his people on several raids against the French and their American Indian allies. In 1758, the Anglo-Cherokee War broke out, leading to violent fighting between the Cherokee and British colonists in the backcountry. In May 1760 Attakullakulla attempted to negotiate a peace on behalf of the Overhill Cherokee but was unsuccessful. Meanwhile, Cherokee warriors had laid siege to Fort Loudoun, which the British eventually surrendered in December 1761. When the Cherokee discovered that the British garrison had destroyed guns and ammunition at the fort after the ceasefire, thus violating their agreement of surrender, the Cherokee attacked the retreating British troops. Attakullakulla personally interceded, saving Captain John Stuart's life by buying his ransom. He then used his influence with the colonists to make Stuart the British Superintendent for Indian Affairs. In December 1761, he helped negotiate a peace between the Cherokee and the colonists at Charlestown. He served as the "emperor" of the Cherokee people from 1761-1775 and continued to lead diplomacy efforts between the Cherokee and the British for the rest of his life.

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