Located throughout southeastern United States, the Cherokee Nation is the largest of three Cherokee federally recognized tribes, and boasts a rich and vibrant culture and history that extends back for centuries, up to the present day.
Early History
The origins of the Cherokee people are rooted deeply in the southeastern United States. Traditionally, the Cherokee hold that their nation originated in the region that is presently the state of North Carolina. From there, the tribe would eventually spread out to cover most of the southeast, including areas of Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee, among others[[^1^]].
Legend has it that the Cherokee Nation was born from a sacred fire brought down from the heavens by the Cherokee gods. This fire was then used by the Cherokee people to light their own fires. From this legend, the Cherokee entwined a rich tapestry of mythology and folklore, which remain central aspects of Cherokee culture today.
Apart from the widespread folklore, historians also trace their origins back to the ancient Mississippian Culture, which existed around 1000 AD until 1500 AD. This culture was characterized by their extensive mound-building activities, intricate artworks, and advanced farming techniques. The Cherokee seems to have inherited their farming techniques, religious beliefs and ceremonial practices from the Mississippians[[^2^]].
Chota and Tanasi
Two of the most important Cherokee towns historically were Chota and Tanasi, located along the Little Tennessee River. During the 18th-century, these towns were the de facto capitals of the Overhill Cherokee, essentially the political, cultural, and spiritual heart of the Cherokee Nation. Today, they are recognized as a part of the National Register of Historic Places[^3].
The Cherokee Clans
The Cherokee traditionally organized themselves into seven matrilineal clans. Each clan was named for an animal or a natural feature, such as the Wolf Clan or the Blue Holly Clan. Family ties, obligations, and responsibilities flowed along female lines in Cherokee society. Women were considered the head of the household — a tradition that remains in some elements of Cherokee society even today.
The Cherokee Syllabary
In the early 19th century, a remarkable event would forever change the cultural landscape of the Cherokee. A Cherokee man named Sequoyah developed a unique syllabary, representing the sounds of the Cherokee language. This writing system, still in use today, became a powerful tool for the Cherokee, leading to a high level of literacy and the production of large quantities of written Cherokee material[^4].
The Cherokee and the United States
Contact with the European settlers and the founding of the United States transformed the Cherokee society drastically. During this time, the Cherokee traded extensively with the British colonists. Fur trade flourished, which led to the spread of European diseases and eventual dependence on European goods[^5].
The Cherokee Nation was dramatically affected by the infamous Trail of Tears, beginning in 1838, where thousands of Cherokee were forcibly removed from their ancestral lands and reestablished in Oklahoma. This period is characterized by incredible suffering and hardship, but also resilience and determination[^6].
In the centuries following the Trail of Tears, the Cherokee began to reestablish themselves in their new territories. The Cherokee Nation continued to flourish, displaying resilience and determination, qualities that continue to define them in the present day.
Present Day Cherokee
Today, the Cherokee Nation boasts a thriving population, numbering around 300,000 citizens. They continue to work to preserve and promote their language, culture, and traditions, contributing to American society in ways more significant than can be estimated. The Cherokee Nation is a shining testament to the spirit and resilience of Native American Tribes as they continue to shape the fabric of America.
The Rich Cultural Heritage
Cherokee culture remains vibrant and active today. Dance, music, art, and ceremonies continue to play an important role in Cherokee life. An intricate blend of ancient traditions and contemporary influences make up the Cherokee experience.
One means through which Cherokee culture thrives today is through arts and crafts. Items like pottery, beadworks, and baskets are not just artifacts, but living connections to a storied past. Similarly, traditional Cherokee food, with staples such as corn, beans, and squash, remain popular among the Cherokee.
Education is another way in which the Cherokee Nation works to preserve its culture. Cherokee schools, universities, and scholarship programs are crucial to educating the next generation of Cherokee citizens.
The Cherokee Nation has much to be proud of: a rich culture, an enduring history, and a vibrant, growing population. As we continue to celebrate Native American heritage, we remember the lessons of the Cherokee: resilience, respect for the earth, and the importance of community.
[^1^]: Mooney, James (1900). “Myths of the Cherokee”. Nineteenth Annual Report of the Bureau of American Ethnology, Part I. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office.
[^2^]: Hudson, Charles M. (1997). Knights of Spain, Warriors of the Sun. University of Georgia Press.
[^3^]: National Register of Historic Places Inventory Nomination Form, “Tanasi”, 1972.
[^4^]: Boudinot, Elias (1828). Cherokee Phoenix.
[^5^]: Perdue, Theda (1979). “Clan and Court: Another Look at the Early Cherokee Republic”. American Indian Quarterly.
[^6^]: Carter, Samuel (1976). Cherokee Sunset: A Nation Betrayed: a Narrative of Travail and Triumph, Persecution and Exile. New York: Doubleday.