Swain County NC Genealogy – Access Genealogy

Cherokee Tribe

1830 Map of Cherokee Territory in Georgia

The Cherokee, a significant tribe of the Iroquoian family, historically occupied regions in the southern Alleghenies and claim ancestral ties to various groups, including the Choctaw. Their language comprises three main dialects, with the upper dialect prevalent in literature. Following initial European contact in 1540, the Cherokee engaged in conflicts with settlers and adapted a government reflecting U.S. models. They faced forced removal in 1838, enduring significant hardships, yet later reorganized. The tribe comprises various clans and has seen fluctuating population numbers throughout history.

The Cherokees of the Smoky Mountains

An in depth look into the history and origin of the Cherokees of the Smoky Mountains. From the Papers of Horace Kephart.

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.