At one time the Cherokee occupied what is today all or part of 8 southern states: Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina. The last treaty, known as the Treaty of New Echota, took the remaining land. New Echota was the last capital of the Cherokee Nation prior to removal and was formerly known as  New Town Georgia. It was renamed New Echota after the original capital in Tennessee known a Chota. 

As you undoubtedly know, there were several treaties prior to removal (or more commonly known as the Trail of Tears). A group of Cherokee under Dragging Canoe did not want to conform to  ways being forced upon Cherokees, and became a fierce warrior against the continued encroachment of the Europeans. Dragging Canoes Chickamauga band of Cherokee continued to lead raiding parties against white settlements until his death at which time John Young Tassel Watts (GGG Grandfather, on his mother's side, of Deer Clan West's current leader Dr. Robert Vann) took up the fight, becoming Chief of the Chickamauga and continued the raids on white settlements. 

In the early 1980's, some of the Chickamauga Cherokee band formed what is today known as the Echota Cherokee Tribe of Alabama. Deer Clan West is an extension of the Echota Cherokee Tribe of Alabama and is support to over 200 members residing outside of the home state of Alabama. Deer Clan West is lead by appointed clan chief Dr. Robert Vann. Dr Vann is also descendant of Chief James Vann. Whose ancestral home can still be visited in Georgia. The Vann home is now a historical site, which was built by James Vann in 1804. James Vann was both a hero and rascal who brought schools to his people but was also known for his temper as well.  

Today Deer Clan West meets regularly and is actively involved in their communities trough educational outreach programs. Please take a moment to view the rest of this site, we hope you enjoy.