The American history instructors invariably touch upon the Civil War, the Revolutionary War, and our country’s founding fathers. Yet, they often overlook the rich tapestry woven by the indigenous nations living across North America far before European settlers arrived. One of these tribal nations that played a critical role in shaping America’s history is the Cherokee Nation.
Today let’s take a journey back in time and explore the extensive and remarkable Cherokee history, encompassing pre-colonial times, the ‘Trail of Tears,’ their immense resilience in the face of adversity, and their contemporary contribution towards the fabric of the United States.
A Look at Pre-Colonial Cherokee History
The Cherokee people’s history stretches back thousands of years, with archaeological evidence suggesting their presence in southeastern North America since around 8,000 B.C[^1^]. They are part of the Iroquoian language family, and their society was matrilineal, with clans tracking their lineage through the mother.
They lived in autonomous villages and, for sustenance, relied on the ‘Three Sisters’, comprising of corn, beans, and squash. The Cherokee were skilled trappers, hunters, and fishers. They lived in homes made of wood and baked clay, covered with thatch — these were spacious and comfortable round structures often surrounding a central courtyard.
The Trail of Tears Era and Its Impact
Our journey through Cherokee history is incomplete without understanding the grim chapter of the ‘Trail of Tears’ to the Cherokee people’s forced removal.
In the 1830s, President Andrew Jackson enacted the ‘Indian Removal Act’, which resulted in the forcible relocation of many indigenous populations, Cherokee included, from their ancestral land. The Cherokee people were made to march thousands of miles under harsh conditions from the Appalachian region to ‘Indian Territory’ in present-day Oklahoma [^2^]. Nearly a quarter of the Cherokee population succubsequently died from starvation, disease, and exposure. The event is aptly termed the ‘Trail of Tears’ and marks a dark chapter in American history.
While this event caused irrevocable pain and loss, it marked the beginning of an incredible shaping of resilient Cherokee identity that would, centuries later, help them retain their heritage.
The Cherokee: A Symbol of Resilience
Even after the ‘Trail of Tears’, the Cherokee people’s resilience and commitment to preserving their cultural identity deserve admiration. They adapted to their new environment, rebuilt their communities, and continued their traditions.
During the Civil War, The Cherokee Nation, despite internal conflicts, contributed soldiers to both the Union and Confederate sides, demonstrating the complex nature of the Cherokees’ engagement with outside political forces.
In modern times, the Cherokee Nation has demonstrated continuous survival and adaptability. They have successfully fought for and reclaimed portions of their traditional homelands. Today, the Cherokee Nation boasts a population of more than 300,000 tribal citizens, making them the second-largest tribal nation in the United States[^3^].
The Cherokee in Contemporary Society
Today, the Cherokee in the United States not only contribute significantly to the country’s cultural blend but are also a resilient political force. They have managed to fuse traditional tribal governance with modern democratic ideals. The Cherokee Nation exercises full sovereignty, holds elections, and represents its interests at both state and federal level.
More so, the Cherokee have made significant strides in education and business, with several tribal-owned businesses contributing significantly to the local economy. Their cultural contributions are particularly notable in areas such as language preservation, art, music, and cuisine. Many people engage with their history through powwows, festivals, galleries, and Cherokee-focused cultural tourism.
Conclusion
The Cherokee Nation paints a vivid picture of survival, adaption, and resilience. Their history, timelessly intertwined with the broader American history, presents a remarkable narrative of human endurance in the face of hardship and abiding love for cultural heritage. There is much to learn – and much to respect – about the Cherokee Nation’s incredible journey.
By plunging into their history, we not only enrich our understanding of the past but appreciate the breadth and depth of the distinct cultures woven into America’s multicultural fabric. The history and contribution of indigenous people like the Cherokee are indispensable to the American story, and recognizing this important narrative helps create a comprehensive understanding of our shared history.
[^1^]: ‘Cherokee | History, Culture, Language, & Facts.’ Encyclopaedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Cherokee.
[^2^]: ‘Indian removal.’ National Park Service. https://www.nps.gov/trte/learn/historyculture/the-trail-of-tears.htm.
[^3^]: Cherokee Nation. ‘Who We Are.’ https://www.cherokee.org/about-the-nation/who-we-are/.