This Blog Shows History and the Continuing Legacy of the Cherokee Nation in America

Even before the formation of the United States, the Cherokees occupied a significant portion of North America in the southeastern region. In today’s geographical context, their territories covered various portions of Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, and surrounding areas. The Cherokee people lived in their own towns, which they ruled under certain policies, language, and way of living. As such, the Cherokees practiced agriculture, hunting, trading, and community building. Furthermore, there existed rich cultural diversity among the Cherokee people.

Cherokee Nation in America

In due course of time, the Cherokees made several efforts towards preserving their rich culture while being faced with numerous challenges. When Europeans began settling in the North American continent, the lives of the Cherokee people underwent dramatic transformation. Initially, there was contact between the two groups of people, and this led to a form of commerce between them. However, as the number of Europeans increased and their demand for land also grew, conflicts occurred among them.

Forced migration occurred among many Cherokee people in the 1800s. The event has become known as the Trail of Tears. More than thousands of Cherokee people had to migrate a long way to lands west of the Mississippi River. Many people were deprived of food, warmth, protection from sickness and misery. Moreover, many members of the Cherokee nation lost their lives due to these conditions. These events can be considered as one of the most tragic periods in Cherokee history. However, despite all their sufferings, the Cherokee people have managed to rise from these ashes.

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They have maintained their government, language, traditions and cultural heritage. They taught their children about the past that was their legacy. Their strength enabled them to survive all these trials. Today, the Cherokee Nation is a powerful and vibrant native nation. It has its own governing body and does its best to serve its citizens. The Cherokee Nation has different programs regarding various spheres of public life including health, education, housing, employment and culture. Its goal includes protection of the Cherokee nation language, heritage and traditions for the sake of future generations.

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The legacy of the Cherokee Nation is present even now. Cherokee people have kept remembering their past events and have developed themselves in order to create their brighter future. All these facts remind Americans of what consequences could be produced by racial discrimination and forced migration. The Cherokee people should be remembered as the people who showed a lot of courage and determination in order to save their lives and cultural heritage. The legacy of the Cherokee people is one of the biggest legacies of America.

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