Which Native American tribe was primarily located near the Smoky Mountains?

The Cherokee tribe is primarily known for its historical presence in the area around the Smoky Mountains, particularly in what is today North Carolina and Tennessee. The Smoky Mountains, or the Great Smoky Mountains, are part of the Appalachian range and have been significant to the Cherokee people for centuries. They consider this region to be a crucial part of their homeland, rich in natural resources and culturally important landscapes.

In contrast, the other tribes listed, such as the Navajo, Sioux, and Apache, are associated with regions further west and did not traditionally inhabit the Smoky Mountain area. The Navajo primarily reside in the southwestern United States, the Sioux are predominantly found in the northern Great Plains, and the Apache territory encompasses areas in what is now Arizona and New Mexico. This geographical distinction highlights the connection of the Cherokee with the Smoky Mountains, affirming their historical and cultural significance in that region.