Subject
Cherokee Indians -- History Books
Best books
James Mooney
Myths of the Cherokee Extract from the Nineteenth Annual Report of the Bureau of American Ethnology
"Myths of the Cherokee" by James Mooney is an ethnographical account written in the early 20th century. This work serves as a detailed study that compiles various myths, legends, and historical contexts of the Cherokee tribe, offering insights into their culture, beliefs, and traditions. The text is rooted in extensive fieldwork conducted by the author over several years, with the intent to document and preserve the rich oral traditions and historical narratives of one of the most significant Indigenous tribes in the United States. The opening of the work introduces the reader to the context in which these myths were collected, emphasizing the importance of preserving Cherokee traditions and language. Mooney reflects on the impact of historical events on the tribe and highlights the role of older generations in maintaining the tribe's lore despite external cultural pressures. The initial chapters focus on the purpose of the work, the author's gratitude toward various contributors to his research, and a brief historical sketch of the Cherokee. This sets the stage for the detailed collection of cosmogonic myths, stories about animals, and legends that illustrate not only the tribe’s views of the world but also their deep connection to the land and their heritage.
United States. National Park Service
At home in the Smokies : $b a history handbook for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee
"At Home in the Smokies: A History Handbook for Great Smoky Mountains National Park" is a historical account produced by the National Park Service in the early 1980s. This handbook commemorates the 50th anniversary of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and explores the rich history and cultural narratives of the people who settled in this mountainous region between North Carolina and Tennessee. It provides insight into the lives of the Cherokees and later European settlers who shaped the area, drawing connections to the park's historical sites and the enduring legacy of the mountain communities. The opening of the handbook outlines its thematic structure, focusing first on the immersive natural beauty of the Smokies and its historical significance, before delving into the accounts authored by Wilma Dykeman and Jim Stokely. It highlights the annual homecoming events, where descendants of early settlers gather to celebrate their heritage. In addition, it introduces the complex interactions between the Cherokees and the European settlers, detailing their coexistence and the eventual tensions leading to displacement. The opening sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the evolving narrative of life in the Smokies, enriched by the personal stories and historical context that frame this unique American landscape.
Henry Timberlake
The Memoirs of Lieut. Henry Timberlake (Who Accompanied the Three Cherokee Indians to England in the Year 1762) Containing Whatever He Observed Remarkable, Or Worthy of Public Notice, During His Travels to and from That Nation; Wherein the Country, Government, Genius, and Customs of the Inhabitants, Are Authentically Described. Also the Principal Occurrences During Their Residence in London. Illustrated With an Accurate Map of Their Over-hill Settlement, and a Curious Secret Journal, Taken by the Indians Out of the Pocket of a Frenchman They Had Killed.
"The Memoirs of Lieut. Henry Timberlake" is a historical account written in the mid-18th century. The book chronicles the author’s experiences and observations during his travels with three Cherokee Indians to England, detailing the customs, government, and culture of the Cherokee people as well as Timberlake's perilous journey. It provides readers with a unique perspective on the relationship between Indigenous Americans and Europeans during a tumultuous period in North American history. At the start of the memoir, Timberlake introduces himself and reflects on his military career and motivations for writing. He details his early expeditions, the battles fought, and hardships endured, leading up to his eventual encounter with the Cherokee. The opening portion describes Timberlake’s initial thoughts and challenges, including his military commissions and observations about the Cherokee Nation, painting a vivid picture of life in the 18th century and establishing the groundwork for his experiences during his time with the Cherokees and his journey back home.
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