The History And Continued Legacy Of Cherokee, NC

Practically a straight shot from Gatlinburg through the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, less than a 90-minute drive, resides the community of Cherokee, NC. Located in the Oconaluftee River Valley, Cherokee is the beautiful namesake community and headquarters for the Eastern Band Of Cherokee Indians (EBCI). Upon entering the town, it’s clear that a strong connection and reverence for the rich history of the resilient and inventive native peoples who fought to remain in their homeland, remains strong. With an enduring and ever-growing legacy to explore, a rich culture to be immersed in, a breathtaking natural beauty to enjoy, it’s well worth the drive to spend a day in Cherokee, NC.

Brief History Of Cherokee & EBCI

No one knows for sure just how long the Cherokee have lived in what is modern-day North Carolina, but artifacts indicate that humans have been residing in the region for over 11,000 years ago, near the end of the last ice age. Accompanying the anthropological discoveries are ancient Cherokee tales of mastodon hunts, where native hunters would work together to take down the massive pre-historic woodland elephants, indicating that the Cherokee have been an integral part of the Appalachian region for eons. By the time the first Europeans “discovered” the area in the 1500s, the Cherokee were an established agricultural people who inhabited villages consisting of roughly 30 to 60 homes and a council house.

Unfortunately, the arrival of Spanish Conquistador Hernando de Soto in 1540 marked the beginning of the Cherokee’s hundreds-of-years-long struggle to protect the native peoples, culture and lands. From disease, to encroachment of settlers, to ignored treaties, to skirmishes and governmental mistreatment, attempting to work through diplomacy efforts with the various newcomers, was no simple task. However, even as more interlopers continued to arrive, the Cherokees continued to advance and grow as a tribe. It was during the 1800s that a tribal government with a written constitution was established and the Cherokee scholar, Sequoyah created the Cherokee syllabary, dramatically improving the entire Cherokee Nation’s literacy within just a few years. As a result, a Cherokee newspaper began publication in the native language as well as English, making it the first bilingual newspaper in U.S. history.

Devastatingly, only two years later, 1830 would mark Andrew Jackson’s signing of the Indian Removal Act, that resulted in over 16,000 Cherokees being forced to leave their ancestral lands and begin a deadly, 1,200-mile march to current-day Oklahoma between 1836 to 1838. Now referred to as the “Trail of Tears,” it is estimated that roughly 4,000 Cherokees died during the six-month trek, perishing due to hunger, exposure to the elements, exhaustion, frontiersmen violence and disease. However, approximately 400 North Carolinian Cherokees worked against expatriation, while others hid in the mountains long enough to avoid capture or managed to return after being forced out. This group of fierce and dogged individuals continued against all odds and later established the Eastern Band Of Cherokee Indians, now. Though only a fraction of their homeland’s original size, the Qualla Boundary (a land-trust monitored by the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs) covers 56,000 acres of land, including the town of Cherokee, and is owned outright by the EBCI. Today’s Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians are descendants from the brave natives who managed to stay in the Smoky Mountains, and are flourishing with over 15,000 tribal members. Though the Eastern Band Of Cherokee Indians are looking towards a bright future, they strive to preserve and honor the tribe’s history, ancestors and their stories of hardships and successes for following generations to appreciate and learn from.

Continuing Your Education

• Museum Of The Cherokee Indian: Explore the 12,000-year-old story of the Cherokee people when you visit the Museum Of The Cherokee Indian. This creatively curated and beautifully designed museum features interactive video, captivating displays, a self-guided tour, specialty effects and hands-on demonstrations to make for a full-sensory experience. Learn about Cherokee history, lifestyle and culture starting in the Paleolithic Period continuing through to the modern age via an extensive artifact collection and engaging exhibits. Be sure to check the museum’s website for updates on the different community learning opportunities they host. While most of the events are held in-person and include hands-on activities, there are also virtual events to partake in, meaning you can continue your Cherokee education, even after you’ve left the Smokies!

• Oconaluftee Indian Village: Probably one of the most popular and magical experiences to be had when entering Cherokee, NC is that of Oconaluftee Indian Village. This living museum will transport you from modern day to a Cherokee mountain settlement in the mid-1700s. Follow your Cherokee cultural expert as they lead you on this interactive and enlightening journey through the history and daily life of the Cherokee people over 250 years ago. Traverse winding dirt paths through quiet woods and past traditional dwellings, work areas and sacred ritual sites. You’ll see skilled Cherokee artisans honing their crafts from hulling canoes to sculpting pottery and masks to weaving baskets and fashioning beautiful beadwork pieces. Experience the thrill and beauty of cultural dances nestled amongst the shimmering oak and sycamore trees and marvel at the skill presented during a traditional blowgun demonstration. Be prepared to spend several hours learning, exploring and being in awe of this incredible display of Cherokee antiquity, living and breathing during the modern age. Please note that the village will reopen for the season May 2023.

• “Unto These Hills” Outdoor Drama: Since it’s opening in 1950, “Unto These Hills” Outdoor Drama has awed over six million patrons with this powerful, moving and inspired recounting of the Cherokee story. The captivating performance paints a picture of Cherokee life in (current-day) North Carolina from 1780 to the 21^st century through heart-wrenching action, stunning visuals, a talented cast and poignant storytelling. Enjoy beautiful traditional dance, music and imagery under the Smokies’ night sky as you learn about the resiliency, strength and ingenuity of the Cherokee peoples through the ages. The theatre is currently closed for the season but will reopen this summer, however due to the venue’s open-aired nature, showtimes are subject to change due to weather.

• Qualla Arts And Crafts Mutual, Inc: The nation’s oldest and foremost Native American cooperative, was established in 1946 by visionary and enterprising Cherokee craftsmen of the EBCI. Using practices that are thousands of years old and passed down through the generations, over 350 talented Cherokee artisans supply the Qualla Arts And Crafts Mutual. with their incredible work. Meant as a way to promote and preserve traditional Cherokee artforms and techniques, this year-round showroom allows visitors the opportunity to take uniquely Cherokee pieces home with them as a reminder of their time in Cherokee, NC. And the best part? Purchasing a unique handmade piece from Qualla Arts And Crafts Mutual means that you will be directly supporting a Cherokee artist and the community!

A Smoky Mountain Retreat

After being enlightened about the history and culture of the Cherokee people, exploring their traditions and talking to locals about their experiences, you’ll probably be ready for a quiet night off your feet with your loved ones. After stunning hour-long drive through the Smoky Mountains (we suggest pulling off for a bit of star gazing on the trek back), you’ll arrive at the luxurious and secluded Parkside Resort. Our premium cabins provide our guests with anything they may need along with countless amenities to make for a entertaining as well as revitalizing stay in the Smoky Mountains. If you’re planning a trip to Cherokee, North Carolina and The Great Smoky Mountains, it’s time to contact Parkside Resort to book from the best luxury cabins in the Smokies!

Call us today at 888-908-6066 or visit our website to learn more about our amazing accommodations!