The Act of Union Between the Eastern and Western Cherokees, enacted in 1907, was a significant legal measure aimed at consolidating the two factions of the Cherokee Nation that had emerged after the Civil War. The Eastern Cherokees, primarily located in North Carolina, and the Western Cherokees, who were based in Oklahoma, had developed separate governments and systems due to geographical and historical differences.

The Act sought to unify these groups under a single government structure, establishing a cohesive tribal identity and governance system. It outlined the procedures for electing a unified council and leadership, as well as provisions for the management of tribal assets and resources. This union was seen as a way to strengthen the Cherokee Nation's political power and preserve their rights and identity in the face of ongoing challenges from the U.S. government and outside influences.

Overall, the Act of Union represented a crucial step in the efforts of the Cherokee Nation to maintain unity and self-governance in a rapidly changing political landscape. Act of Union Between the Eastern and Western Cherokees. 1788 page documents in PDF format.