The Principal People
The Cherokee are one of the indigenous peoples of the Southeastern United States, originally inhabiting areas of present-day North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama. Known for adopting a written syllabary created by Sequoyah in 1821, the Cherokee established a constitutional government and newspaper before forced removal on the Trail of Tears (1838-1839) killed thousands and relocated the nation to Indian Territory (Oklahoma). Today, the Cherokee Nation is the largest federally recognized tribe in the United States.
Seven Clans: Traditional Cherokee society was organized into seven matrilineal clans: Bird, Deer, Wolf, Blue (Panther), Paint, Wild Potato, and Long Hair. Clan membership passed through the mother and governed social relationships, including marriage (one could not marry within their own clan). Each clan had specific roles and responsibilities in Cherokee society.
Trail of Tears & Resilience
Nunahi-Duna-Dlo-Hilu-I - "The Trail Where They Cried"
In 1838-1839, the U.S. government forcibly removed approximately 16,000 Cherokee from their ancestral homelands in the Southeast to Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma). The 1,200-mile forced march occurred in winter, with inadequate food, shelter, and medical care. Approximately 4,000 Cherokee—a quarter of the population—died from exposure, disease, and starvation along what became known as the Trail of Tears. Some Cherokee evaded removal by hiding in the Appalachian Mountains, forming what became the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. This tragedy represents one of the darkest chapters in American history and a testament to Cherokee survival and resilience.
Prior to removal, the Cherokee had established a constitutional government modeled on the U.S. system, complete with executive, legislative, and judicial branches. They operated schools, farms, and businesses, demonstrating sophisticated adaptation to changing circumstances. Despite this "civilization" policy compliance, the discovery of gold on Cherokee lands and settler land hunger led to forced removal.
Modern Cherokee Nation
Today, there are three federally recognized Cherokee tribes: the Cherokee Nation and United Keetoowah Band in Oklahoma, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina. The Cherokee Nation is the largest tribe in the United States with over 390,000 enrolled members. The nation operates successful businesses, healthcare systems, educational institutions, and cultural preservation programs.
This page honors the Cherokee people—the Principal People who created a written language, survived genocide, and built one of the most successful tribal nations in America. From the Appalachian homeland to Oklahoma and beyond, Cherokee resilience endures.
Image Gallery
Explore visual documentation of culture, traditions, and daily life through these carefully curated images from Wikimedia Commons.
Sequoyah, creator of the Cherokee syllabary and one of few individuals to single-handedly create a writing system
Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain)
The Cherokee syllabary invented by Sequoyah in 1821, enabling widespread literacy
Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain)
Map showing the routes of the Trail of Tears, forced removal of Cherokee people in 1838-1839
Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain)
Cherokee people in traditional dress showcasing distinctive Southeastern Native American cultural heritage
Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Traditional Cherokee river cane basket weaving, an ancient craft still practiced today
Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Official seal of the Cherokee Nation, representing tribal sovereignty and government
Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain)