Great Hiwassee facts for kids
Great Hiwassee (which in Cherokee is Ayvwasi Egwaha) was a very important Cherokee town. It was active from the late 1600s to the early 1800s. This town was part of the "Overhill" settlements, which were Cherokee communities located in the mountains.
Today, the site of Great Hiwassee is in Polk County, Tennessee. You can find it on the north side of the Hiwassee River, right where the modern U.S. Route 411 crosses the river. This area is now part of the Tennessee Forestry Division's East Tennessee Nursery.
Where Was Great Hiwassee Located?
Great Hiwassee was strategically placed along the Hiwassee River. This river was a key waterway for the Cherokee people. Its location made it easy to travel and trade with other towns.
The town was also connected to other major Cherokee settlements. These included Great Tellico and Chota, which were to the north. These connections were made possible by a famous trail.
The Great Indian Warpath
A very important trail called the Great Indian Warpath passed through Great Hiwassee. This path followed Conasauga Creek into the mountains. It was a main route used by the Overhill Cherokee for travel, trade, and sometimes for war.
The Great Indian Warpath helped connect many Cherokee towns. It allowed people to move goods and information across a wide area. This made Great Hiwassee a central and busy place for the Cherokee Nation during its time.
