The Cherokee people are a Native American tribe originally from the southeastern United States, particularly in areas that are now North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama. They have a rich cultural heritage, including their own language, known as Cherokee, and a unique writing system developed by Sequoyah in the early 19th century. Historically, the Cherokee were known for their agricultural practices, skilled craftsmanship, and complex social structures. In the 1830s, many were forcibly removed from their ancestral lands during the Trail of Tears, leading to significant loss of life and culture. Today, the Cherokee Nation is one of the largest Native American tribes in the U.S.