Visiting Cherokee, North Carolina
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians are located the mountain of Western North Carolina. They are a federally recognized band of Native Americans that live in the Qualla Boundary, or more commonly known as Cherokee, the tribe’s “reservation” or “land trust.”<br>
The Eastern Band is primarily the descendents of the original Cherokee who lived there and stayed there after the Trail of Tears, the forced expulsion of over 17,000 Cherokee by United States President Andrew Jackson.<br>
The Cherokee have a long and rich history. Many believe that the Cherokee have lived in the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee, northwestern South Carolina and parts of Georgia since 8,000 B.C.E. <br>
Today, the Eastern Band makes most of its money from tourism, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, and federal and state funds.<br>
When visiting the area, you can take in all of the glorious beauty that the Cherokee live within. Visiting Cherokee you see Oconaluftee Village and Lake. In the village, you’ll be able to experience a day in the life the Cherokee. The village is a recreation of the original village and the practices the Cherokee partook in.<br>
Watch villagers make pottery and arrowheads, weave baskets, carve and paint masks, and make beads. Take a walk through the village to see how the Cherokee’s dwellings used to look like. Staying in the village a day will really give you sense of how the lives of the Cherokee used to be – from sunrise to sunset.<br>
You can also learn more about their history at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. The museum does a great job of engaging people by telling provocative and enthralling stories. They have four different exhibits. They have the Trail of Tears, the Paleo Period, Archaic Period, and the Mississippian Period.<br>
The ultimate part of your visit to Cherokee is seeing the production of “Unto These Hills.” This play has eleven scenes that tell the story of the Cherokee, from the beginning of time to right after the journey of the Trail of Tears ends.<br>
This play is performed outdoors and has been running for 58 years. The performance lasts about two hours long and is held during the months of June through August. The play costs 22 dollars for adults and 10 dollars for kids six to 12 years old (and is free for anyone five years old or younger).<br>
This play is Cherokee’s most famous attraction (other than the casino that was built in the early 1990s). Many people come to Cherokee to just see the play. It is full of romance, heartache, suspense and tragedy. Visiting Cherokee is a fun experience for the kids and adults alike, with many things to do and see.
About the Author
Amber Singleton is a writer for The Lion and The Rose Bed & Breakfast, located just minutes from downtown Asheville, N.C. Just three miles from the Biltmore Estate, this Asheville inn is a place to indulge romantic fantasies and relish in the comfort of luxury. With only five guest rooms, The Lion and The Rose Bed & Breakfast guarantees privacy and intimacy.
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