Located in the southwestern corner of North Carolina in the Blue Ridge chain of the Great Smoky Mountains, Cherokee County was formed in 1839 from Macon County. It is in the western section of the State and is bounded by the states of Georgia and Tennessee and the North Carolina Counties: Graham, Swain, Macon and Clay. The courts were ordered to be held at one of the houses at Fort Butler until a courthouse could be erected. Fort Butler was in the town of Murphy. Murphy is the county seat.

The county encompasses an area of about 455 square miles. It is about 32 miles from east to west and about 20 miles from north to south. There are two towns which embody the spirit and charm of small town America. They are Murphy, the county seat, and Andrews. There are also many small communities with colorful and unique names.  At the time of the 2000 census, the population of the county was 24,298, with Murphy having 1,568 and Andrews having 1602.  However, the area is growing rapidly.

The county contains 300,100 acres, with 92,363 acres of United States Forest Service Land, 8,700 acres of lakes, and 6,000 acres of Indian land, with the remaining area being farmlands.  The county is surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest.  The highest elevation in the county is about 5,100 feet, on the corner where Cherokee and Clay counties meet at Fires Creek.  The lowest elevation is about 1,200 feet, where Apalachia Lake crosses into Tennessee.

The many lakes and breathtaking mountain views create many scenic backdrops. There are hiking trails, fishing streams, and camping areas, where the air is crisp and clean.  There are nearby white water adventures, golfing, boating, horseback riding and many other activities available in the area.  Cherokee County has theaters, craft shows, antique shops, festivals and fairs.  The crime rate is low and one can find serenity in this beautiful mountain area.