Native American Appalachia

An exploration into the cultural experiences and societal development of the original people native to The Smoky Mountains   . . . 

This Website Contains Affiliate Links

An Anthropological Look at Early Lifeways

​The Appalachian Mountains are home to an amazing history of their native people. Throughout the region there can be found stories and evidence of the vast civilizations that once covered this landscape. Though there were once multiple Native American tribes in the surrounding areas, The Cherokee represent the majority of the history found within these majestic hills.

Cherokee, North Carolina 

​For those interested in Native American heritage, I highly recommend a trip to Cherokee, North Carolina. There is no better place to experience richness of native culture in the Appalachian Mountains than the heart of the Cherokee Nation. While the area may be famous for its nature tourism, gift shops, and a casino, there is much more beneath the surface. The Museum of the Cherokee Indian hosts an amazing display of artifacts that thoroughly detail their lifeways before and after European contact. 

It is here that you will find some amazing exhibits displaying the technologies of the original Americans. Many examples of stone tools and pottery can be viewed as well as figurines and decorative adornments that were once common in the local culture. Each provides an extensive educational experience as you explore the timeline of the region and its people. 

​
​The following photo is of masks of the seven clans of The Cherokee, for which each is symbolically designed to reflect on their place in the greater tribal society. 
​
Paint Clan: Natural Healers
Bird Clan: Messengers of the Heavens
Potato Clan: Keepers of the Land
Deer Clan: The Runners and Hunters
Blue Clan: Considered Holy
Wolf Clan: The Protectors
Long Hair Clan: The Peacemakers

---

Franklin, North Carolina

​On the outer edges of The Smoky Mountains is ​Franklin, North Carolina. This small, but flavorful town has an old jail that has been converted into The Gem & Mineral Museum. Their collection goes beyond just geological samples, they also have an impressive display of stone tools and fossils that is sure to please. 
​
​A short walk from here will bring you to Nikwasi Mound. Before the town of Franklin had been established, the area was once a thriving Native American settlement. Legend has it that ancestral spirits still protect these lands. 

During The Civil War Union troops began their march on the Confederate town of Franklin. Union scouts went ahead to check out the area and reported an enormous army gathered around the town. The Union forces then decided to change their course and find another route. The reality was that the town only had minimal protection.

​Who were these mysterious protectors?
​Some claim they were the ancestors who rest in Nikwasi Mound. 

---

Knoxville, Tennessee 

A scenic drive across The Smoky Mountains will bring you to Knoxville, Tennessee. Here and in the surrounding areas you will find a few more fascinating museums that would qualify as major points of interest for any archaeological enthusiast. The East Tennessee History Museum guides the visitor through the events that sculpted this region.

The Native American portion of this museum is a bit small but still worth mentioning. I found it important to display the exhibit that outlines the progression of tools throughout the periods of societal development.
​
As you can see in the next photo, there is a clear progression in the technological advancements of the region. This historic timeline is divide into the following periods. 

• Paleo (10,000BC - 8000AD)
• Archaic (8000 BC - 1000 AD) 
• Woodland (1000 BC - 1000 AD)
• Mississippian (AD 1000 - 1600) ​

​On the University of Tennessee campus, the McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture goes a bit further with a small theater that has constant showings of documentaries to complement the native exhibits.

---

Southeastern Tennessee 

Just outside the Tennessee town of Vonore can be found a cluster of historical sites that you should check out while in the area. 

• Sequoyah Birthplace Museum
  
• Tanasi Memorial 
  
• Grave of Oconostota 

Sequoyah Birthplace Museum

The Sequoyah Birthplace Museum treats the visitor to the life and accomplishments of one of the region's most important figures in Native American History. It was Sequoyah who developed the written language of the Cherokee. Prior to this, there was no syllabary system that coordinated letters with the sounds of the spoken native language. Only a system of symbols was used to represent specific words and ideas. Inside the museum you will find exhibits and films to show you exactly how that was achieved. ​

The grounds are also pretty impressive. There are a couple of buildings that can be explored displaying a further history into the area. Stroll a bit further along the path and you will come to a burial mound where you can pay your respects to the locals that once inhabited these lands. 

Tanasi Memorial

I you want to explore where Tennessee gets its name, take a trip a few miles south to the Tanasi Memorial. This was once a thriving a Native American town that now rests underwater due to the construction of the Tellico Reservoir. This long-lost Cherokee town of Tanasi is in fact the original settlement for which the state of Tennessee is named. 

Tanasi Memorial

Grave of Oconastota 

Just down the road from the Tanasi Memorial is the grave Oconastota the Cherokee War Chief from the Native American town of Chota. The name Oconastota (sometimes spelled Oconostota) means "Stalking Turkey".  This beautiful monument is constructed of eight pillars, seven of which represent the clans of the Cherokee Indian. Notice how it blends perfectly with its surroundings. 

---

This has been just a small sample of the rich Native American history that much of Appalachian life is built upon. My advice is to take a road trip for yourself, visit these sites, and search for your own experience in the cultural roots of the region. 

You may also enjoy reading about my
Archaeological Fieldwork
at a nearby Catawba village.