The Cherokee Nation

"When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice." – Cherokee Proverb

The story of the Cherokee Nation is one of remarkable resilience and unwavering spirit, rooted in rich traditions and marked by their ability to adapt and persevere. From their early migrations through the Great Lakes region to the southeastern United States, the Cherokee faced immense challenges, including forced relocation that shattered families and communities. The Trail of Tears stands as a haunting testament to their suffering, where thousands lost their lives during a brutal journey to unfamiliar territory. Additionally, internal divisions arose as different factions navigated the pressures of encroaching settlers and shifting political landscapes. Yet, throughout these trials, the spirit of the Cherokee remained unbroken. Understanding how their early foundations set the stage for these future challenges reveals a people who, against all odds, held onto their culture and identity.

Early Foundations and Migration

Around 1000 AD, the ancestors of the Cherokee embarked on a migration that would shape their destiny. [1] Leaving behind the Great Lakes region, they journeyed southward to the fertile lands of what is now the southeastern United States. Over time, they established strong roots in this new homeland, creating vibrant communities such as Tsalagiyi (the Cherokee word for their territory), where towns like Chota and Ebcotah emerged as centers of culture and trade. [2] These towns became hubs where the Cherokee engaged in various activities, from agricultural practices to social gatherings.

By the 1500s, their society had developed into something truly complex, characterized by a well-balanced lifestyle that encompassed farming, hunting, and trading. Notable leaders, such as Chief Attakullakulla, played essential roles in guiding their people through these transformative times, emphasizing unity and resilience. [3] This harmonious integration of activities not only provided sustenance but also fostered a rich social structure where communal cooperation flourished.

Families worked together in the fields, sharing the harvest and ensuring that all members contributed to the community's well-being. The crops they cultivated, including corn, beans, and squash, formed the staple diet and were often referred to as the "Three Sisters," symbolizing the interdependence of these crops in Cherokee agriculture. [4] Meanwhile, hunting parties roamed the forests, returning with game that not only supplemented their diet but also reinforced social bonds through shared meals and communal celebrations. The practice of trading with neighboring tribes facilitated cultural exchanges, allowing the Cherokee to acquire new goods, ideas, and technologies. This exchange enriched their way of life, leading to advancements in tools, techniques, and artistic expressions that reflected the creativity and adaptability of the Cherokee people.

The Cherokee flourished in their new environment, with established villages and a growing population, but their balanced way of life would soon face significant challenges with the arrival of outsiders. An unexpected encounter with Spanish explorers brought both curiosity and uncertainty to their doorstep. This first meeting introduced new dynamics that would shape the Cherokee’s future and set the stage for interactions that carried both promise and peril.

The Gold Rush

But the tides of change would soon crash against the Cherokee with force. In 1828, gold was discovered in Georgia, and what followed was nothing short of catastrophic for the Cherokee. [9] White settlers, eager to strike it rich, poured into Cherokee lands, igniting a frenzied rush for wealth that disregarded the rights and histories of the Indigenous people. As prospectors and fortune seekers descended upon the region, they disrupted the delicate balance of life that the Cherokee had maintained for generations.

The U.S. government, driven by the promise of prosperity and territorial expansion, enacted policies that further marginalized the Cherokee, paving the way for the Indian Removal Act. [10] This legislation marked a devastating turning point, as it not only stripped the Cherokee of their ancestral lands but also signified a broader indifference to Indigenous rights.

As the echoes of greed rang through the mountains and valleys of Cherokee land, the promise of gold catalyzed a devastating transformation. The influx of settlers disrupted centuries of harmony, leading to policies that shattered the foundations of Cherokee life. What followed was an unimaginable journey, one that would leave an indelible mark on their identity. This horrible road was not merely a physical path but a crucible of suffering and resilience, where every step taken by the Cherokee symbolized the struggle to maintain their culture and spirit amid overwhelming loss. In this dark chapter, the roots of their traditions ran deep, providing strength as they faced an uncertain future in unfamiliar lands.

The Trail of Tears

The aftermath of these changes led to the Trail of Tears, a forced relocation between 1838 and 1839 that would forever scar the Cherokee community. [11] ] As they were driven from their homes, thousands faced unimaginable hardship and suffering. Along the grueling journey, many families were torn apart, and the sense of loss weighed heavily on their spirits. The death toll during this period was staggering, with estimates ranging from 4,000 to 8,000 Cherokee lives lost due to disease, starvation, and exposure. [12]

Amid this devastation, the Cherokee Rose emerged as a poignant symbol, embodying the duality of beauty and suffering that characterized the Cherokee experience during the Trail of Tears. [13] According to legend, the flower bloomed where the tears of Cherokee women fell as they wept over the loss of their homes, families, and land. The delicate white petals of the rose, symbolizing purity and innocence, contrasted with the deep sorrow etched into their hearts. Its golden center, some say, represented the promise of survival and the hope that, despite everything, they would persevere.

This flower, though fragile in appearance, reflected the strength of the Cherokee people. Just as the Cherokee Rose grew in the harshest of environments, so too did the Cherokee find a way to endure despite unimaginable adversity. The thorns of the rose were a reminder of the pain and struggles they faced, illustrating the harsh reality of their journey. But in its bloom, there was also a message of resilience—of life continuing even in the face of suffering.

Culturally, the Cherokee Rose became more than just a symbol of grief; it also stood for hope and renewal. As the Cherokee traveled to unfamiliar lands, they carried with them the weight of their losses, but they also brought their traditions, stories, and sense of community. The Cherokee Rose served as a constant reminder that even in the darkest times, beauty could emerge from pain, and their people could survive and rebuild.

Throughout the years following the Trail of Tears, the Cherokee continued to honor the legend of the Cherokee Rose. It became woven into their narrative of survival, representing not only the suffering they endured but also their determination to rise above it. The flower's presence in their new homeland in Oklahoma symbolized a connection to their past and an enduring spirit that would not be broken, no matter the challenges they faced. [14]

The Spotlight!

The Cherokee were the first Native American tribe to create a written language, constitution, and newspaper. Despite adapting to life in the U.S., they were forcibly removed from their ancestral lands during the Trail of Tears.

This book covers their struggles, decisions during the Civil War, and the leaders who brought both triumph and loss. From their forced relocation to the painful experiences in the residential school system, this account shares the highs and lows of Cherokee history, shining light on stories often left untold.

Native American style, Deer hide Frame drum 10"

Hernando de Soto

The year 1540 marked a pivotal moment in Cherokee history when Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto encountered the Cherokee during his expedition across the southeastern United States. [5] This first contact with Europeans was a complex blend of intrigue and foreboding for the Cherokee. Initially, they were filled with curiosity, drawn to the newcomers and hopeful about the possibilities that lay ahead. They viewed de Soto and his men as potential allies and sources of trade, intrigued by the exotic goods they brought—metal tools and firearms that glittered with promise, offering glimpses of advantages that could be gained from these foreign interactions.

However, this initial excitement soon gave way to anxiety as the reality of the situation unfolded. De Soto's expedition was primarily driven by the relentless pursuit of wealth and territory, which inevitably led to conflict. As the Spanish demanded food and resources from the Cherokee, feelings of fear and betrayal began to surface. The Cherokee, who had long maintained a harmonious existence with their surroundings, were now faced with the unsettling prospect of their land being viewed as mere property to be exploited.

The immediate impact of de Soto's expedition was not just a shift in trade dynamics but a harbinger of the larger conflicts that would follow. This encounter set the stage for the violent confrontations to come as European settlers continued to encroach on Native lands. The Cherokee’s initial sense of intrigue soon transformed into a haunting realization of the precariousness of their situation, a foreshadowing of the struggles for survival that would challenge them in the years ahead.

Ultimately, the legacy of this encounter would linger long after de Soto's departure, shaping the Cherokee's responses to future European incursions and deepening their understanding of a rapidly changing world. The initial encounter with Hernando de Soto marked not only a moment of curiosity but also the beginning of a turbulent chapter for the Cherokee. As they navigated the complexities of their relationships with Europeans, they soon found themselves at a crossroads that would alter the course of their history forever.

A Complex Struggle for Sovereignty

Despite these challenges, the Cherokee didn’t just wait and hope for the best. In 1819, they adopted a Constitution based on the U.S. model, a remarkable move that reflected their willingness to blend traditional governance with the new world order. [6] This innovative approach not only provided a framework for self-governance but also showcased their commitment to maintaining their sovereignty in a rapidly changing environment. Just a few years later, in 1821, a Cherokee man named Sequoyah invented the Cherokee syllabary, a written form of their language that transformed their society. [7]

The introduction of literacy had profound effects on various aspects of Cherokee life. With the ability to read and write, the Cherokee established schools and educational institutions, fostering a generation that was informed and engaged. This newfound knowledge enabled them to participate more effectively in governance, articulate their rights, and advocate for their community. Within a decade, the Cherokee became one of the most literate communities in America. The story of a young Cherokee boy named John, who learned to read and write using Sequoyah's syllabary, exemplifies this transformation. His newfound skills empowered him to engage in local governance, ensuring his community's voices were heard in discussions that directly impacted their lives. As a result, literacy became a vital tool for organizing communal gatherings and discussions about rights and territory, reinforcing the bonds of community while also challenging the narratives imposed by outside settlers.

This development wasn’t just about preserving their language; it was about empowering themselves to stand firm in a world that was changing fast. By harnessing their literacy, the Cherokee aimed to secure their place in an increasingly complex society while striving to retain their cultural identity. The adoption of a constitution and the creation of a syllabary mirrored similar efforts among other Indigenous nations during this period, such as the Iroquois Confederacy and the Creek Nation, who also sought to navigate their relationships with the U.S. government and assert their sovereignty. [8] However, the Cherokee's formal commitment to literacy and education set them apart, positioning them as leaders in the quest for self-governance.

As the Cherokee sought to solidify their position and adapt to their new reality, the winds of change were already stirring. The discovery of gold in Georgia would soon send shockwaves through their community, igniting desires that could not be contained. While they worked to build a brighter future, forces beyond their control were beginning to conspire against them, leading to an uncertain and perilous path ahead. The next chapter in their saga would reveal the harsh consequences of a nation hungry for wealth and land, culminating in a tragedy that would alter their destiny forever.

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Source(s):

[1] Smith, H. David. The Cherokee Nation: A History of Survival. New York: Facts On File, 2008.

[2] Perdue, Theda, and Michael D. Green. The Cherokee Nation: A History of Resilience. New York: Penguin Random House, 2023.

[3] Baird, L. S. The Cherokees: A Population History. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2017.

[4] Nunnally, J. M., and D. E. Smith. "The Three Sisters: An Overview of the Corn, Bean, and Squash Agricultural System in the Cherokee Nation." Journal of Cherokee Studies 12, no. 1 (1987): 45-58.

[5] Dowd, Gregory Evans. War under Heaven: Pontiac, the Indian Nations, and the British Empire. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2002.

[6] Perdue, Theda. The Cherokee Nation: A History of Survival. New York: Facts On File, 2008.

[7] Axtell, James. The Invasion Within: The Contest of Cultures in Colonial North America. New York: Oxford University Press, 198

[8] Maffly-Kipp, Laurie. Reclaiming the Forgotten History of Indigenous North America. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2015.

[9] McLoughlin, William G. After the Trail of Tears: The Cherokees' Struggle for Sovereignty, 1839-1880. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 1993.

[10] Anderson, Gary Clayton. Ethnic Cleansing and the Indian Removal Act of 1830. New York: New York University Press, 2011.

[11] The Cherokee Trail of Tears: A Reference Guide. New York: Facts on File, 2005.

[12] Hagan, William T. American Indians. 3rd ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2003.

[13] Dobak, William S. The Cherokees and the Trail of Tears. Atlanta: University of Georgia Press, 2001.

[14] Perdue, Theda, and Michael D. Green. The Cherokee Nation: A History of Survival. New York: Facts On File, 2008.

[15] McLoughlin, William G. After the Trail of Tears: The Cherokees' Struggle for Sovereignty, 1839-1880. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 1993.

[16] The Trail of Tears: The Rise and Fall of the Cherokee Nation. New York: HarperCollins, 2019.

[17] Perdue, Theda, and Michael D. Green. The Cherokee Nation: A History of Survival. New York: Facts On File, 2008.

[18] Hodge, Felicia, and Daniel E. Sutherland. Cherokee History and Culture. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1999.

[19] Winkler, John F., and Keith E. McGowan. The Cherokee People: The Story of the Cherokees from Earliest Times to the Present. Oklahoma City: The Oklahoma Historical Society, 1985.

[20] Mankiller, Wilma. Mankiller: A Chief and Her People. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1993. 79.

[21] Mankiller, Wilma. Mankiller: A Chief and Her People. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1993. 238.

Hand crafted from cedar wood and deer hide

Modern Heroes and A Legacy of Strength

No conversation about the Cherokee is complete without mentioning Wilma Mankiller, who became the first female Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation in 1985. [20] Her leadership was defined by advocacy for healthcare, education, and economic development, helping her people thrive in a world that continued to present challenges. As Mankiller herself put it, “I have no regrets about my decision to become a part of this movement [for Cherokee rights]. It has given me a sense of purpose.” [21]

Mankiller’s legacy serves as a reminder that the Cherokee have not only survived—they’ve thrived. From their early days migrating to the southeastern United States, to the adoption of the Cherokee Constitution, to their continued advocacy for justice, they’ve shown that strength comes from adapting to change while never forgetting who you are.

Lessons in Strength

The Cherokee Nation’s journey from the Great Lakes to Oklahoma, through triumphs and tragedies, is a story of perseverance, adaptation, and courage. They’ve faced some of the harshest chapters in American history, yet they’ve continued to thrive, holding onto their culture while evolving with the times.

So, what can we learn from their experience? How can the resilience of the Cherokee, in the face of overwhelming odds, inspire us to overcome the challenges in our own lives?

Facing the Civil War and Reconstruction

The trials didn’t end there. By the time the Civil War broke out in 1861, the Cherokee were once again caught in the middle. [15] This time, they sided with the Confederacy, not out of loyalty, but in hopes of protecting what little autonomy they had left. The decision was fraught with internal conflict, as many Cherokee had differing views on aligning with the South. [16] Some believed that supporting the Confederacy might preserve their lands and rights, while others felt that cooperating with the Union would offer a better chance at securing their future.

As the war raged on, the Cherokee Nation found itself deeply divided. Tensions rose between those who supported the Confederacy and those who sought to align with Union forces, leading to conflict and mistrust within their own communities. This division had lasting effects, as families and friends found themselves on opposite sides of a bitter conflict. The war's devastation also led to a significant loss of life among the Cherokee, further complicating their struggle for autonomy.

In the aftermath of the Civil War, the U.S. government sought to re-establish order in the South, which included renegotiating relationships with Native American tribes. In 1866, the U.S. signed a Reconstruction Treaty with the Cherokee Nation, acknowledging their sovereignty and restoring some of the rights that had been stripped away during the years of conflict and upheaval. [17] This treaty allowed the Cherokee to govern themselves once more, granting them the power to create laws, manage their lands, and maintain a degree of independence.

However, the restoration of rights was not without its challenges. The Cherokee were still subject to the overarching authority of the federal government, and many of the promises made in the treaty were often undermined or ignored. Additionally, the aftermath of the war saw an influx of settlers and opportunists seeking to exploit the newly available lands, further threatening the Cherokee's hard-won autonomy.

Despite these challenges, the Cherokee demonstrated remarkable resilience. The Reconstruction era sparked a renewed sense of identity and purpose among the Cherokee people. They began to re-establish their government and community institutions, focusing on education and cultural preservation as pathways to strengthen their society. Many Cherokee embraced the opportunity to adapt and grow, promoting literacy and civic engagement as tools to navigate the changing political landscape.

Through this tumultuous period, the Cherokee Nation emerged with a renewed determination to assert their rights and maintain their cultural identity. The trials they faced during the Civil War and the subsequent Reconstruction period ultimately laid the groundwork for a more unified and resilient Cherokee Nation, setting the stage for future generations to carry on their legacy.

Revival and Cultural Persistence

In 1975, the Cherokee Nation re-established itself as a federally recognized tribe, marking a new chapter in their story. [18] They had managed to hold onto their traditions, rebuild their communities, and embrace modern governance, all while honoring the past.

The strength of the Cherokee wasn't just found in their leaders, warriors, or political moves, it was deeply rooted in the roles played by Cherokee women. They controlled much of the agricultural production, property, and inheritance, giving them a significant say in the society's direction. This balance of power between men and women was unusual in many cultures but served as a foundation for the Cherokee's survival and adaptability. [19]