Pickens County SC

Cheraw Indians

The Cheraw Indians, also known as Ani-SuwaII and Saraw, are classified within the Siouan linguistic family, though their language has not been preserved. Initially located near the Saluda River in South Carolina, the Cheraw migrated to the Dan River area by 1700. Faced with conflict from the Iroquois and tensions with colonial authorities, they sought protection from the Catawba. Their notable historical presence is marked by interactions with early European explorers, including De Soto, and remnants of their legacy persist in various place names today.

Cherokee Indians

The Cherokee Indians, whose name origins are uncertain, are historically significant Native Americans predominantly residing in the southern Appalachian region. They speak an Iroquoian language and were divided into three dialect groups linked to separate settlements in Tennessee and neighboring states. The tribe has a complex history marked by early contact with European settlers, significant migrations, and cultural adaptations, such as the creation of a written language by Sequoya. Over time, they faced numerous challenges, including disease and forced removal, yet they have maintained a notable cultural and historical presence.