[4] However, the Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture, states that it was created from the Tahlequah District of the Cherokee Nation in 1906.

[3][a] The Cherokee moved to this area as a result of the forced relocation brought about by the Indian Removal Act of 1830, also known as Trail Of Tears.

The first significant settlements were at the site of Park Hill, where there was already a mission community, and Tahlequah, which became the seat of Cherokee government.

However, the Civil War divided the tribe and caused many of the early structures to be destroyed.

[14] Tahlequah is home to the capital of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma and about 25 percent of the students at NSU identify themselves as American Indian.

[15] The university has many courses focused on Native American linguistics, and offers Cherokee language Education as a major.

[18] Since statehood, the economy of Cherokee County has been based on agriculture, especially production of corn, wheat and vegetables.

This is largely due to increased urbanization around Tahlequah since World War II.

In 2002, this county ranked first in Oklahoma for the value of nursery and greenhouse crops and seventh in the state for poultry and eggs.

[3] Illinois River and Lake Tenkiller tourism are perhaps of greater economic impact than agriculture, and both have lodging, water sports and recreation outfitters, fishing equipment and guides, eating and drinking establishments, campgrounds, festival events, and organizations for the conservation of resources.

Major non-agricultural employers in the county now include the Cherokee Nation government and Northeastern State University,[3] The following sites in Cherokee County are listed on the National Register of Historic Places: