Cherokee's history is partly told by its name; back in 1000 AD the Cherokee Indians inhabited this beautiful region in the Smoky Mountains. The Cherokee had been living successfully on the land for many years, calling it "Shaconage" which translates to "land of the blue Mountains".

In 1524 however, the first foreigner stepped foot into North Carolina, European, Giovanni de Varrazano. More were to come, namely from Spain; they were hard on the trail for gold. Disruptions came from home in the late 1500s however, and they were forced to return. It was not until 1655, that Europeans made North Carolina a permanent home.

The more Europeans that came prompted more change to the land. The 1700s saw the arrival of many European settlers who brought upon a forceful change in order to colonize the land. It escalated until in 1830 in what is referred to as the " Trail of Tears" prompted by the " Indian Removal Act". For the most part, up until this point, the Cherokee people were trying to adapt to European customs and change their ways. Many were even marrying Europeans. But the act that gave away all their land to the newcomers, also forced them to leave. Many then trekked off to hide in the Smokies.

Thankfully things changed in 1889 and land was granted back to the tribe. Today the Native Americans in the area are called the Eastern Band.