LibGuides: W. Brent Burgin Archives: Piedmont American Indian Association

Lower Eastern Cherokee Nation of South Carolina

The South Carolina Archives possess several treaties made between South Carolina and the Lower Towns of the Cherokee Nation as far back as the mid 1600's. History tells of the PIAI people living in the Piedmont region. The entire area is a rich reminder of their ongoing presence, past and present. The Nation was divided into three areas: the Overhills, the Middle, and Lower Settlements. The Cherokees occupied an area from the Seneca River in South Carolina, north into Tennessee, and west into Georgia. Some sixty-four towns and villages have been identified. The Lower Towns were located in present-day South Carolina west of Greenville along the streams and rivers of what are now Oconee and Pickens counties, and south of Greenville into Laurens County.

One of the main towns was located near the confluence of Brasstown Creek and the Tugaloo River; it was called Nayuhi or The Place of the Sand Bar. A network of paths crisscrossed the region around Greenville. One path ran from White Horse Road west of the city of Greenville, and Buncombe Road to the north. Two, perhaps three major paths crossed Greenville County. The upper path ran across Greenville County originating at Keowee Indian Town in the present-day Oconee county. For some this was a direct route from the mountains to the coast. This was of major importance because of the enormous trade with the coastal tribes. This path followed the approximate route of SC Route 11 east of Pleasant Ridge State Park.

-- From the PAIA website

Lower Eastern Cherokee Nation of South Carolina

State Acknowledgement

2003-2004 S.C. Bill 628: The State of South Carolina recognizes the Piedmont American Indian Association Lower Eastern Cherokee Nation
This bill is to recognize the Piedmont American Indian Association Lower Eastern Cherokee Nation as a Native American Tribe of South Carolina, representing the Cherokee Indian People.

Tribal Membership

ARTICLE IV of PAIALECNSC Constitution – Membership

Conference Proceedings

CONFERENCE PROCEEDING Symposium on Cherokee and Iroquois Culture
Call Number: E 99 .C5 S95 1961
Symposium on Cherokee and Iroquois Culture (1958 : Washington, D.C.); Fenton, William N. (William Nelson), 1908-2005, editor.; Gulick, John, 1924-2012, editor.
1961

Cherokee

Cherokee by Cassandra Zardes
Explore the rich history, language, legends, and lives of America’s largest Native American nation: the Cherokee. Inside this book, the gripping saga of a proud people unfolds in detail, including their greatest strife along the Trail of Tears. This volume also includes a deep exploration of the Cherokee’s most treasured traditions. From earliest Cherokee history to their modern lives today, this richly illustrated book paints a portrait of the fascinating Cherokee culture.
The Cherokee by Theda Perdue; Frank W. Porter (Introduction by)
Call Number: E 99 .C5 P393 1989
An historical survey of the various Southeastern peoples, from the pre-Columbian period of societal development through the invasion by Europeans, the colonial era, the exile of the "Five Civilized Tribes" to Oklahoma and the experience of those who stayed in the Southeast. The book examines not only the history but also the methodologies, attitudes and assumptions common to the historical study of American Indians.

Cherokee film as Cherokee storytelling: Randy Redroad's The Doe Boy as Filmic Deer Woman Story
By Beadling, Laura L
New cinemas, 2020, Vol.18 (1-2), p.3-18

Cherokee (Reference Entry) by James D. Hart ; Wendy Martin ; Danielle Hinrichs
For nearly half a century, James D. Hart's Oxford Companion to American Literature has offered a matchless guided tour through American literary culture, both past and present, with brief biographies of important authors, descriptions of important literary movements, and a wealth of information on other aspects of American literary life and history from the Colonial period to the present day.
Native American Almanac by Yvonne Wakim Dennis; Arlene Hirschfelder; Shannon Rothenberger Flynn
The impact of early encounters, past policies, treaties, wars, and prejudices toward America’s Indigenous peoples is a legacy that continues to mark America. The history of the United States and Native Americans are intertwined. Agriculture, place names, and language have all been influenced by Native American culture. The stories and history of pre- and post-colonial Tribal Nations and peoples continue to resonate and informs the geographical boundaries, laws, language and modern life.