What is the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians?
The eastern band of Cherokee Indians can be found in the mountain lands of North Carolina. Artifacts have been found that are believed to have belonged to the tribe and date back 11,000 years to the time of the Ice Age. Tales are told that describe the early Indians hunting Mastodons through the countryside. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians were the primary tribe depicted in The Trail of Tears death march. Of the 16,000 Cherokees who began the forced march to Oklahoma, one-quarter to one-half died from exposure, exhaustion, disease and the the shock of being separated from their home. When the initial Europeans traveled through the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians lands, they encountered hunting bows used by the natives. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians proved to be great potters, hunters and farmers. The Indians were able to use the very powerful bows to bring down deer and elk with ease. The Indians also used the bows to hunt bear.
