Ten thousand years of Cherokee history

The early 19th century brought brighter days. Some Cherokees adopted the ways of the new settlers and became prosperous. A Cherokee named Sequoyah originated a phonetic syllabary of the Cherokee language using 86 symbols, and a bilingual Cherokee newspaper appeared. As they developed a constitution and a national council, an independent Cherokee nation emerged.

But President Andrew Jackson supported the Indian Removal Act, aimed at moving all Indians from the Southeast. It passed in 1830. Despite lobbying aimed at rescinding the legislation, a new treaty was signed in 1835 without authorization from the Cherokee nation.

During 1838 and 1839 a 1,200-mile forced march banished the Cherokees to Indian Territory (Oklahoma). But small groups stayed behind, hiding in the mountains, and others walked back from Oklahoma. Most of the current Eastern Cherokee Band descended from these thousand or so ancestors.

Despite US government recognition of the Cherokees in 1889, their difficulties continued. They were denied the right to vote. Children were separated from families, sent to federally operated boarding schools, and forbidden to speak the Cherokee language. Improvement during the 20th century was gradual. The Cherokees regained control of their schools in 1990, ensuring that their heritage and language would be preserved.

"Unto These Hills," an outdoor drama presented from early June through late August by the Cherokee Historical Association, tells the story of the Cherokees and the Trail of Tears.

"The Cherokee Heritage Trails Guidebook" is a helpful traveler's resource. A website (www.cherokeeheritagetrails.org) as well as a book, it was developed by the University of North Carolina Press in association with the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. Both provide a concise but thorough history of the Eastern Band of the Cherokees.

At the end of the guidebook itself are four Cherokee stories. Read them like poetry; listen for the rhythm of the voices. You may begin to get a sense of the people and their heritage.

Museum of the Cherokee Highway 441 and Drama Road, Cherokee, N.C.; (828) 497-3481; www.cherokeemuseum.org.

Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual 645 Tsali Blvd., Cherokee, N.C.; (828) 497-9193; www.insidenc.com/mountain/qualla coop.htm.

Oconaluftee Indian Village US Highway 441 North, Cherokee, N.C.; (828) 497-2315 (May 15 to Oct. 25) or (828) 497-2111 (off season); www.oconalufteevillage.com.

"Unto These Hills" Highway 441 North, Cherokee, N.C.; 866-554-4557; www.untothesehills.com.

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