Hiwassee River Heritage Center facts for kids
| Established | May 17, 2013 |
|---|---|
| Location | 8746 Hiwassee Street Charleston, Tennessee, United States |
| Type | History museum |
| Owner | Charleston-Calhoun-Hiwassee Historical Society |
The Hiwassee River Heritage Center is a cool history museum in Charleston, Tennessee. It opened in 2013. This museum helps visitors learn about the Cherokee people and the Civil War in the area. It is also a special interpretive center for the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail.
Contents
Exploring the Past: Hiwassee River History
Before European settlers arrived, the Cherokee people lived in the area around Charleston and Bradley County. Their history is a big part of what you can discover at the center.
Cherokee Lands and Early Settlements
In 1819, the U.S. government bought land north of the Hiwassee River from the Cherokee Nation. Just two years later, in 1821, the Indian Agency moved to what is now Charleston. This agency was an important place for dealings between the U.S. government and the Cherokee.
The city of Calhoun is right across the Hiwassee River from Charleston. These two towns were often called "twin cities" because they were so close.
The Trail of Tears: A Difficult Journey
From 1832 to 1838, the Red Clay Council Grounds served as the last capital for the Cherokee Nation in the East. This was a very important time for the Cherokee people.
Charleston became the main place for the forced removal of the Cherokee. This sad event is known as the Trail of Tears. In 1835, Fort Cass was built around the Indian Agency. It held captured Cherokees and U.S. soldiers before the removal began. Other camps were also set up nearby, including two large ones at Rattlesnake Springs.
Civil War Events in Charleston
After the Cherokee removal, the area saw a lot of action during the American Civil War. In November 1861, the nearby Hiwassee River bridge was burned. This was part of the East Tennessee bridge burnings.
The Henegar House was used by both Union and Confederate generals as a temporary headquarters. A Confederate hospital was also set up at the Charleston Cumberland Presbyterian Church. These events show how important Charleston was during the war.
What You Can See at the Heritage Center
The Hiwassee River Heritage Center is located in an old bank building. It has many interesting things to see and learn about.
Inside the Interpretive Center
Inside, you'll find panels that tell detailed stories of the area's Cherokee and Civil War history. There are also other exhibits to explore. The center displays real Cherokee and Civil War artifacts.
One special item is a painting from 2012 called Sherman Leaving the Henegar House by Don Troiani. It shows Union general William Tecumseh Sherman and his troops leaving the Henegar House in 1863.
More Exhibits and Outdoor Trails
The museum also shares information about local African American history. You can learn about the Tennessee Valley and Charleston's role in the 1960 film Wild River.
Outside, there's a short walking path called the National Historic Trail Experience. Along this trail, signs explain the Cherokee removal and the events leading up to it. You can read about these events from both the Cherokee and European viewpoints. The Hiwassee River Heritage Center is one of five such centers in Bradley County that are part of the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail.
How the Center Was Created
The Charleston-Calhoun-Hiwassee Historical Society led the effort to create the center. They started planning for it in 2011. The Hiwassee River Heritage Center officially opened its doors on May 17, 2013.
The exhibit panels were created by the Center for Historical Preservation at Middle Tennessee State University. The center has also expanded over time. A groundbreaking for more exhibit space, a meeting room, and outdoor renovations happened on August 26, 2016. The expanded center was officially dedicated on March 30, 2019.
See also
