Franklin, NC....in the Southern Appalachian escarpment of the Blue Ridge Mountains,
has many natural resources to boast, such as naturally occurring rubies, sapphires,
gold and emeralds. Not to mention it is located at the headwaters of the Tennessee
River Basin, which in this day and time, is gold in itself. Thereto are the hundreds
of thousands of acres of raw land rich in timber resources which is a preserve for
flora and fauna where the varieties are staggering...even rivaling the rain forests
like the Amazon. Per square mile, the waterfalls located in Macon County are more
numerous than any other place in North America. But, it is the Indian Mound located
in the heart of Franklin that has been undisturbed for thousands of years, that puts
it at the top of the list of Valuable Natural Resources that Franklin NC can be the
most proud. A little known fact about Franklin is that it has the most well preserved
Indian Mound in all of the Southeast. The mound was used in the ancient Cherokee
civilization to hold large gatherings to discuss issues relevant to their community
and then the tribal leaders would come to a vote on the issue. Also it is important
to note that the Cherokee held women in high esteem and they served on the council.
Nancy Ward, a very powerful Cherokee woman, thought that the white settlers were
uncivilized because they had no women in their decision making body.
It is also a little known fact that Franklin, NC in Cherokee times was also a
"harbor town" where if you were a Cherokee that committed a crime...you could
reach the area that is now Franklin, you would be allowed to live and be rehabilitated
within the community of the Cherokee. Then, during the Green Corn Ceremony at the
mound in the fall....you would be freed and allowed to either stay or travel.
The mound in downtown Franklin was bought by the school-children of Franklin in the
1940's, who collected their pennies and bought it for the town of Franklin...and
has been cared for and maintained by the Town of Franklin, NC ever since. The mound
in downtown Franklin, may look a bit out of place in this modern day....but it is
one of the oldest symbols of democracy in the entire Southeast. Visit Franklin,
NC...and discover this truly unique natural resource....and many others.
Contact Evelyn Owens at:
evelyn@sellingfranklin.com
http://www.sellingfranklin.com
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Cherokee Mound in Franklin NC
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