The threat of Native American attacks on the Southern Appalachian region's settlers was of great concern as the American Revolution began. Following the Declaration of Independence in 1776, tribes began to choose sides in the conflict. The Cherokees cast their lot with the British, and they began brutal raiding parties in which they destroyed settlements, raided crops, and killed and scalped settlers. That summer, the colonies began to fight back. Today, we discuss the Cherokee Wars and the brutalities inflicted by both sides, along with the start of the decline of Native American influence in the region.

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