The Origins and Current Locations of the Cherokee Tribe

The Cherokee tribe has a rich and complex history, originally dominating a vast area in the southeastern United States. This ancient civilization was primarily centered in the present-day states of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee, spanning the Appalachian and Great Smoky Mountains.

Historical Territory

Their land extended into East Tennessee and parts of western North Carolina. Over time, as settlers moved into their territories, the Cherokee tribe relocated, moving south into northwestern Georgia and northeastern Alabama. These earlier settlements gave rise to the Cherokee communities seen today in the southeastern United States.

Trail of Tears and Resettlement

The 1830s marked a significant moment in Cherokee history with the passage of the Indian Removal Act. This law led to a tragic period known as the Trail of Tears, during which many Cherokee individuals were forcibly removed from their ancestral lands. The impact was widespread, with many Cherokee relocating to present-day Oklahoma, where the majority of the Cherokee Nation is now based.

However, not all Cherokee went to Oklahoma. Today, a significant portion of the Cherokee population remains in northwestern North Carolina, particularly in the Qualla Boundary. Additionally, there are important diaspora communities in other parts of the country, such as the Pacific Northwest, the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, and certain southeastern states.

It is important to clarify the misconceptions regarding the Cherokee presence in some eastern states. Contrary to popular belief, they were never numerous in states like Kentucky, Virginia, or West Virginia. The maps and data clearly illustrate that the number of Cherokee individuals in these states is very small, with only a few hundred members residing there due to recent employment opportunities, education, or military service.

Current Distribution

Today, the Cherokee tribe can be seen in all 50 states and even overseas. The largest concentration of Cherokee individuals resides in Oklahoma and western North Carolina. There are also significant populations in California, particularly southern California, and some neighboring states like Arkansas, Kansas, and Missouri.

A few dozen mixed-blood Cherokee individuals remain in Alabama, though their presence is historical and they were largely removed by 1839. Today, there are not many Cherokee descendants in Alabama.

Interestingly, there are around 300 Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma (CNO) members in Kentucky and about 1000 in Virginia. It is likely that many of these individuals have moved to these states for employment opportunities, education, or family connections. Similarly, some members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) are stationed at military installations in those areas.

The current distribution of Cherokee individuals reflects the effects of the Trail of Tears and subsequent migrations, as well as the choices made by Cherokee individuals to relocate over the past two centuries.