History & Culture   The Cherokee People historically occupied
parts of seven southeastern states in the continental United
States.  The Cherokee Nation was comprised of towns and villages
situated along the broad river valleys which comprise this
region of the southern Appalachian and Blue Ridge Mountains.
Cherokees also controlled hunting grounds in the rugged
highlands and maintained hunting camps there throughout the
year. Headmen and chiefs, who were chosen through a matrilineal
social system controlled by the women, governed villages and
towns.  This social structure consisted of seven clans of
familial organization.  The clans, Bird, Deer, Wolf, Blue, Long
Hair, Wild Potato and Paint, lived in extended family homes
constructed from waddle and daub, an adobe like clay, applied to
wooden frames. The women controlled marriage and property and
the matrilineal uncles principally reared children.  At the time
of European contact, first by Desoto in 1540, the Cherokee were
governed by two distinct administrati