Expansion: As
their own village populations grew, and as they conquered
other tribes in the area, the Cherokee Nation grew. At one time, it
covered 8 states including all or portions of the present day states
of Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky,
Alabama, Virginia and West Virginia.
First White Men:
It was not until the 1600's that the Cherokee met
the first white man in their region. White traders found it easy to
trade with the Cherokee. As long as you wished them no harm, the
Cherokee were peaceful, even helpful. The Cherokee traded deerskins
for cloth, hammers, tools, and guns.
Trail of Tears:
There were many wars and problems in the
intervening years. But it was not until 1830 that, once again, the
Cherokee were forcibly pushed from their land, this time by the United
States government. The Cherokee were given a new place to live - a
reservation located in the southwest, an area they had left 4000 years
earlier. The Cherokee were forced to walk all they way to Oklahoma.
Many people died on the walk, which is why this move is called
"The Trail of Tears".
Written Language:
About 200 years ago, the Cherokee developed a
written language of their own. They wrote everything down, all their
legends and stories and customs, so they could more easily teach their
children the old ways.
Today: Today, the Cherokee live in the modern world.
There are over 260,000 Cherokees in the United States. Most live in
Oklahoma. Some still live in the southeastern region of the United
States. They still follow some of their old customs and they still teach their
children the old ways. The children do not always listen, as they did
once, but most are as fascinated by their heritage as we are.
Come meet the Southeast Cherokee in olden times.
Food
and Clothing
Government
Village
Life
Roles
of Men and Women
7
Clans and Marriage
Arts
& Crafts
Warriors
Religion
Trail
of Tears
