Back

Home

About Us

What We Do

For Landowners

LTLT Properties

How You Can Help

Publications

Calendar of Events

News

Links

LTLT Blog

Tribe, Community celebrate in Cowee
"This settlement is esteemed the capital town; it is situated on the bases of the hills on both sides of the river, near to its bank, and here terminates the great vale of Cowee, exhibiting one of the most charming natural mountainous landscapes perhaps anywhere to be seen."
-William Bartram

By Colin McCandless, Staff writer

Press photo/Linda Mathias. Principal Chief Michell Hicks, fourth from left, is surrounded by the Warriors of Ani Kituhwa, a dance group from the Museum of the Cherokee, following a ceremony celebrating the preservation of the Cowee Mound Monday morning.

A crowd of more than 100 people, including tribal council leaders and members of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee, conservation groups and the public gathered at Carter Branch in Macon County Monday morning to celebrate the permanent conservation of the Cowee Mound.

The Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians has officially acquired the ancient Cowee Mound, located north of Franklin off Highway 28.

The 1,400-year old Cowee Mound was the center of the historic town of Cherokee, the chief diplomatic and commercial hub of the mountain Cherokee in the 17th and 18th centuries. Famed naturalist William Bartram, recorded his visits to Cowee in 1775. The town was later destroyed during the American Revolution.

The historic site is comprised of 71 acres that the Cherokee acquired in a partnership with the Land Trust for the Little Tennessee.

The LTLT contributed funding and will provide assistance in developing a long- range management plan that includes a conservation easement with the state of North Carolina, LTLT and the Eastern Band of the Cherokee.

"We are proud to have been able to play a role in the conservation of the Cowee Mound which lies on the banks of the Little Tennessee River," said Paul Carlson. executive director of the Land Trust for the Little Tennessee.

"The river and the mound are world class heritage sites that have been conserved by generations of current and past mountain residents who have loved and cared for this special valley."

"Not very much comes easy for us," said Chief of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Michell Hicks. "We have to work very hard. But we stand proud."

Hicks commented on the importance of remembering the overall significance of the property. "It's not just the sake of claiming a piece of land, Hicks said. "It's the right thing to do. We know it's the right thing to do on behalf of the Cherokee people.

"It's not just about a mound, it's about a way of living. This used to be the New York City of the Cherokee people."

Sharon Taylor, of the LTLT recognized the efforts of the Hall family who helped preserve the land around Cowee Mound for generations and Katherine and James Porter, who helped take care of it most recently up until their deaths.

She discussed the honor of traveling with Hicks to introduce him to James Porter and then commended Hicks for his endeavors.

" I want you to join me in thanking Hicks for taking care of this land for all people," Taylor said.

Tom Hatley, the Sequoyah Chair of Cherokee Studies at Western Carolina University discussed the town of Cowee's significance, even on the global stage, remarking that the Cherokee trading center was even known in London in the 18th century. He talked about the one-sided vision that led to its demise in the American Revolution.

Hatley then recalled his initial encounter with Katherine Porter when he first visited Cowee Mound and said he could testify to her stewardship of the property.

"It's up to us to continue that on," Hatley said. "I hope we can follow in the spirit of which this land has been protected for generations."

Tom Belt, an instructor of the Cherokee language with Western Carolina University, said that in a conversation he had with Hicks he told him the acquisition of the Mound was not just an acquisition of land, Hicks would be fulfilling a moral and cultural responsibility as well.

"We are not just reclaiming property, we are rebuilding a tribe," Belt said. "This is for our children and our grandchildren.

"This is in the hands of our people again. And for this we are thankful. We will never give this land up. This will be ours forever."

The LTLT extended special recognitions to Senator John Snow (D-Cherokee), Representative Phil Haire (D-Sylva) and the N.C. Clean Water Management Trust Fund for their legislative efforts and support in getting funding to help purchase the tract. Graham Fields, a representative from Sen. Elizabeth Dole's (R) office was also in attendance to extend the senator's support.

"Ultimately, the conservation of the land is about the people," Carlson said. He thanked the Halls and the Porters, and the West families for their dedication to the land and in preserving the historical character and integrity of the area.

Hicks and tribal council representatives presented Katherine and James Porter's nephew Lloyd Porter and his wife Deloris with a basket made by one of their members.

"On behalf of my aunt and uncle, we accept this basket," Lloyd said. "It holds a lot of dreams and a lot of memories. We will cherish it forever."

The Cherokee presented Tom Massie of the Clean Water Management Trust Fund a gift as well and recognized the hard work of the LTLT.

"We appreciate you guys," Hicks said. "These guys are very diligent when it comes to these land purchases."

Following the recognitions, the Warriors of Ani Kituhwa from the Museum of the Cherokee, faces painted and decked in traditional garb, performed a ceremonial war dance, followed by a friendship dance in which they invited the crowd to come and participate. Barbara Duncan of the Museum of the Cherokee said the group serves as cultural ambassadors.

The Land Trust for the Little Tennessee and The Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians sponsored the event, which took place across from the Mound.

The LTLT works to conserve the waters, farms, forests and heritage of the Upper Little Tennessee and Hiwassee.

The Cherokee have no plans to develop the Cowee Mound site and will provide long-term security and accessibility through interpretive signage, environmental programming and public park facilities.