Its November, the month we usually think of as the month of Thanksgiving. However, before there was Thanksgiving, there was a long list of Native American history being made across America before the United States ever became a country. And with that said, and with it officially being Native American Heritage Month, it is time to go through 5 former Native American locations in the North Georgia Mountain and Western North Carolina state border area! This blog/bucket list post for this area will be followed up with blog/bucket list posts for Native American sites across the rest of the state of Georgia and the United States, so stay tuned!

Cherokee Homestead Exhibit(Hayesville, NC):

If you’re looking to explore the rich and fascinating history of Native America, a visit to the Cherokee Homestead Exhibit in the tiny Western North Carolina of Hayesville is a must! For over 10,000 years, the Cherokee and their ancestors have called this region home, and this exhibit offers a rare glimpse into their ancient way of life. Located just outside the Qualla Boundary and the town of Cherokee, NC, the Cherokee Homestead Exhibit is a beautifully reconstructed 17th-18th century village that invites visitors to step back in time. The open-air site is accessible 24/7, making it easy to explore at your own pace. As you wander through, you’ll discover a traditional Cherokee summer house, a winter house, and a food storage crib, which offers a real sense of how the Cherokee lived. The site also features informative interpretive signs and stunning public art that tell Cherokee legends and stories. Best of all, this free, self-guided tour provides an unforgettable, hands-on way to learn about Native American history and culture. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to connect with the past!

Fort Butler Memorial(Murphy, NC):

A place for those interested in learning about the painful chapter of Cherokee history, a visit to Fort Butler in Murphy, North Carolina is highly recommended. This site was once the army headquarters for the Cherokee Removal, a tragic event that led to the forced displacement of thousands of Cherokee people. Perched on a hill with a commanding view of the surrounding area, the fort was home to barracks, a blockhouse, and a hospital, as well as temporary camps where Cherokee prisoners were held before their journey. In 1838, over 3,000 Cherokee passed through Fort Butler, heading toward deportation camps in eastern Tennessee. From this very spot, they were forced to march along the Unicoi Turnpike to Fort Armistead and eventually to emigration camps in present-day Charleston, Tennessee. Today, Fort Butler stands as a poignant reminder of this painful history and the infamous “Trail of Tears“. Visiting offers a chance to reflect on the enduring strength of the Cherokee people and to honor their legacy.

 

 

Track Rock Petroglyphs(Blairsville, GA):

Although it is closed to the public at the moment because of vandals, I am sure that it will be open back up to the public sooner or later! This place I am talking about is the Track Rock Gap Petroglyphs in Blairsville, Georgia. If you are a true Native American enthusiast, this is one spot that you should put at or near the top of your must-visit list in the GA/NC area! This remarkable site features six large soapstone boulders, each etched with hundreds of ancient symbols that tell stories from centuries past. The petroglyphs, ranging from animal tracks to geometric shapes, have intrigued archaeologists for years, with some dating back to the Archaic Period (8,000 to 1,000 B.C.), while others are linked to the Cherokee who lived in the area until the 19th century. Recent speculation also says that the Mayans possibly even lived here! The exact meaning of the carvings remains a mystery, but Cherokee folklore offers fascinating insights. The site, known as Datsu’nalasgun’ylu (where there are tracks) and Degayelun’ha (the printed or branded place), holds stories of hunters carving the symbols during a great hunt or marking the earth after a world-altering flood. A visit to Track Rock Gap not only offers a chance to explore these ancient markings but also to immerse yourself in the rich legacy of the Cherokee people. If you’d like to learn more about this site, it has its own page for the Greetings From Union County, Georgia interactive mural! Be sure to check it out!

 

 

Sautee-Nacoochee Indian Mound(Sautee-Nacoochee, GA):

For a photogenic glimpse into Native American history, the Nacoochee Indian Mound in Sautee Nacoochee, Georgia is a must-see destination. Steeped in legend, it is said that the mound is the final resting place of two lovers from opposing tribes. While the true history of the site goes beyond the romantic tale, it remains a powerful symbol of Native American heritage. In 1915, an excavation by the Smithsonian uncovered 75 burials, revealing artifacts and fire-pits that suggest the mound was used for ceremonial purposes long before the Cherokee Tribe settled in the area. Today, while you can’t go directly up to or on the mound, it’s still a perfect spot for photos, with the mound standing proudly against the backdrop of the scenic Nacoochee Valley. Located just two miles from Helen, Georgia, this historical site was added to the National Register of Historical Places in 1980. A visit here offers not only stunning views, but a chance to reflect on the deep history of the region. Also, be sure to go check out the Hardman Farm Historic Site!

 

Princess Trahlyta Grave Site:

For the last stop to mention for those interested in Native American history, Trahlyta’s Grave is a destination steeped in both mystery and legend. Situated today in the center of a modern roundabout at the intersection of HWY 60 an HWY 9, just outside of Dahlonega, this stone pile is believed to mark the grave of Trahlyta, a Cherokee woman whose story has been passed down through generations. According to the tale, Trahlyta was kidnapped by a rejected suitor named Wahsega, and tragically lost her beauty. As she lay dying, he promised to bury her near the magic springs of eternal youth, which her people were said to know about. Though the legend of the Cherokee Princess is widely told, there is no historical record of a “Cherokee Princess” by that name, and her true identity remains a mystery. The nearby Porter Springs, located about three-quarters of a mile away, are believed to be the magical waters tied to the legend. Visitors can drop a stone on the grave for good luck, continuing a custom that dates back to the Cherokee and later adopted by settlers. However, legend goes onto say, if you take a stone off, you will be cursed! Whatever you do, be smart and be careful when visiting!