Cherokee Nation

Definition

The Cherokee Nation is one of the largest Native American tribes in the United States. They were originally located in southeastern U.S., but were forcibly relocated to Oklahoma during the Trail of Tears in 1838-39.

Related terms

Trail of Tears: The forced relocation during which thousands of Cherokees died due to harsh conditions.

Indian Removal Act (1830): U.S legislation signed by President Andrew Jackson that authorized removal of Native American tribes living east of Mississippi River to lands west (Indian Territory).

Sequoyah: A notable figure from Cherokee nation who invented written form for Cherokee language.