Cherokee, NC

About Cherokee

• • Michell Hicks, former Principal Chief, led the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians from 2003-2015.
• • The Cherokee language preservation efforts gained significant momentum here.
• • The Great Smoky Mountains National Park's establishment boosted Cherokee's tourism industry.
• • Unto These Hills outdoor drama has been performed almost every summer since 1950.
• • The Qualla Boundary faced economic hardship during the Great Depression.
• • Named for the Cherokee people, it was established in 1889.
• • With about 2,200 residents, it's smaller than many other NC tourist towns.
• • At 2,136 feet, it enjoys cooler summers than the surrounding lowlands.
• • Tourism dominates the economy, with casinos and cultural attractions.
• • A feeling of reverence and connection to nature permeates this historic place.
• • The Atlanta Braves, 150 miles away, won the 2021 World Series.
• • Cherokee High School has a strong basketball rivalry with Swain County High School.

Songs About Cherokee