Nimrod Jarrett Smith, born in 1832 near Murphy, North Carolina, was a member of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee who played a crucial role in shaping the tribe’s future. His life was marked by his dedication to his people during a time of immense change and challenge. As principal chief of the Eastern Band, he guided them to self-government on Western North Carolina land they themselves bought and secured a future for those Cherokee who still lived in their Appalachian home after the forced migration of the Trail of Tears.  

Today we tell his story, another one of the Stories of Appalachia.  

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