Cherokee, North Carolina is the capital of Qualla Boundary, home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians – a federally-recognized tribe of more than 12,500. Qualla Boundary is nestled in the Great Smoky range of the Appalachian Mountains, the , with land in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee.
Today, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians trace their family histories back to about 1,000 Cherokees who avoided removal to Indian Territory in 1838 on what is now called the Trail of Tears. In 1924, descendants of these 1,000 Cherokee signed the Baker Roll of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, which is now the basis for tribal citizenship.
In 1940, with the opening of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Cherokee economy changed forever, making tourism its primary industry. In 1948, Cherokee, North Carolina, saw the opening of the Museum of the Cherokee Indians and the premier of the outdoor historical drama Unto These Hills. Later, in 1952, the tribe opened the Oconaluftee Indian Village.
Cherokee, North Carolina Travel Details
There is always something worth seeing and doing in Cherokee, North Carolina but the Cherokee Indian Fair in October is certainly an experience not to miss.
Directions: Cherokee, North Carolina is just east of the Great Smoky Mountains on Highway 441. For specific directions, click the “Directions” link in the location bubble of the map above and enter your starting location on the left.
GPS & Map: 35.47695740033129,-83.32048416137695
