The American Cherokee Indians are the largest remaining tribe of Native Americans with approximately 350,000 members located in North Carolina and Oklahoma. They were considered one of the five “civilized” tribes due to their sophisticated ways of life. The Trail of Tears forced the Cherokee from their southeast homeland to Oklahoma, resulting in the death of approximately 5,500 Cherokee. There are currently three nationally recognized tribes of American Cherokee Indians.
An American Cherokee Indian is a Native American native to the southeastern United States, primarily the Carolinas, Georgia, and Tennessee. This tribe is the largest remaining tribe of American Indians, with approximately 350,000 members located in North Carolina and Oklahoma, as of 2010. The American Cherokee Indians have a rich history of hardship and endurance.
In the 19th century European settlers claimed the American Cherokee Indians as one of the five “civilized” tribes because they had more sophisticated ways of life. They had established close communities and had various technological advances similar to those developed in Europe during the same period. The Cherokee were primarily a peaceful group, unlike many other warring tribes who fostered hostility with white settlers.
The Cherokee, who called themselves Aniyunwiya, mean “people with another language.” In the years following European settlement in the southeastern United States, Cherokee tribes helped defend the settlers against other Native American tribes. At that time the Cherokee were considered an urban tribe of Christians with a settler-like society. This made intermarriage between the two groups easier and friendly relations easier. Unfortunately, this peace was short-lived.
The best-known part of American Cherokee Indian history is known as the “Trail of Tears.” This refers to the time period when European settlers forced the Cherokee from their southeast homeland to Oklahoma. President Andrew Jackson sent an army to force the Cherokee from their homes in the winter of 1838. They were not allowed to gather any goods before they left, including extra clothing and shoes. This was done despite the fact that Congress declared India’s removal unconstitutional.
The Cherokee American Indian tribe was forced to march over 800 miles (1287.5 km) across the United States and approximately 5,500 Cherokee died from disease, exposure, and starvation. While most of the relocated Indians were Cherokee, other tribes in the area were also forced to relocate. They concluded their trip in Oklahoma, the place where two of the modern Cherokee tribes live today.
Currently, there are three nationally recognized tribes of American Cherokee Indians. These are known as the Cherokee Nation, the Keetoowah Band and the Eastern Band of Cherokee. There are several other tribes that claim to be made up of American Cherokee Indians, although their lineage cannot be verified.
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