Explore Cherokee
More than a thousand years ago the Cherokee controlled about 140,000 square miles throughout what is now eight states. Villages operated under a democratic government, with adults gathering at the council house to discuss town matters. Council houses were seven sided — a representation of the seven clans: Blue, who made medicine from a blue-colored plant to keep children well, was also known as the Panther or Wild Cat Clan; Long Hair, also known as The Twister, Hair Hanging Down or Wind Clan, wore elaborate hairdos and walked with a proud, twisting gait; Bird, skilled hunters of birds, using blowguns and snares; Paint, who made red paint and served as healers and medicine men. They prepared teas for vapor therapy specific to each ailment; Deer, keepers of the deer. Known for their speed afoot and success as deer hunters; Wild Potato, gatherers of the wild potato in swamps along streams. Also known as the Bear, Raccoon, or Blind Savannah Clan; Wolf, the largest and most prominent clan. Most war chiefs came from this clan, it was the only clan allowed to hunt wolves.
Each village had a peace chief, war chief and priest. Men were in charge of hunting and fishing, while women gathered wild food and cultivate crops such as corn, beans and squash.
In learning about the southern Appalachians, you will find that the region also have been greatly influenced by European settlers who made their way into these beautiful, but hardscrabble mountains to make a new life for themselves. The Appalachian culture is based much on the unique blend of Cherokee and Scotch-Irish people’s customs and traditions.
In addition to the many museums and sites with a historical focus, there are several notable landmarks and historic buildings throughout the region that may be explored.
• Kituhwa Mound — Kituhwa was the more important Cherokee village, and the Kituhwa Mound was its center, according to Cherokee myth and legend. Bordered by the Tuckasegee River and the low hills of the Smokies that rise all around it before giving way to the slopes of Thomas Ridge and Clingman’s Dome, the Kituhwa Village held the sacred fire. Located on Old Route 19. Contact the Cultural Resources Office of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians for more information. 828.497.2771.
• Mingus Mill — A restored 1886 grist mill, or corn grinding mill, powered by water. Located a half-mile north of the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Chat with a miller and feel the rumble of this historic turbine gristmill in action. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.
• The Mountain Farm Museum — An outdoor collection of historic buildings depicting an early Appalachian farm, including a log farmhouse, barn, apple house, springhouse, meet smoke house, and a working blacksmith shop. Live farm animals and planted fields are part of the exhibit. Admission is free. It is part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park beside the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Head north out of downtown Cherokee for about 10 minutes along U.S. 441 toward the park.
• The Museum of the Cherokee Indian — This interactive museum explores traditional Cherokee life, religious beliefs about creation, oral history about the natural world and native people’s vast pre-colonial network of villages. Exhibits also explain the gradual infiltration of the white man and the cultural changes it brought. Located at U.S. 441 and Drama Road. Open daily at 9 a.m. 828.497.3481.
• The Oconaluftee Indian Village — An authentic working replica of an 18th century Cherokee community. Demonstrations include the making of baskets, blowguns, darts, canoes, arrowheads, pottery and carvings. Dwellings include a large council house, where visitors learn about traditional Cherokee form of government, family and community structure, and religious practices. Located near the Mountainside Theater of U.S. 441 North. Open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 828.497.2315.
• Unto These Hills — This outdoor drama tells the story of the Cherokee from the beginning of time to 1838 when Tsali, the legendary warrior, gives his life for his people. Shows are held nightly (except Sundays) during the summer. Tickets are available at the main office and Mountainside Theater, both located on U.S. 441 N. 1.866.554.4557.
• The Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual — Established in 1946, this co-op sells locally made wares from more than 300 Cherokee craftspeople. Displays include historical baskets, masks, pottery and more. 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 828.497.3103.
