Chota, Archaeological site in Monroe County, United States.
The excavated area contains remains of Cherokee structures, including a central townhouse foundation and multiple residential buildings along the Little Tennessee River.
From 1740 to 1788, this settlement served as the principal diplomatic and political center of the Cherokee Nation, hosting meetings with British representatives.
The site features eight memorial pillars representing the seven Cherokee clans and the nation, plus the reinterred remains of Chief Oconostota.
The archaeological area connects to the mainland through a causeway, allowing visitors to explore the preserved sections that remain above Tellico Lake.
Before the Tellico Dam construction in 1979, archaeologists recovered thousands of artifacts and documented the town's original layout through detailed excavations.
Location: Monroe County
Part of: Chota and Tanasi Cherokee Village Sites
GPS coordinates: 35.55500,-84.13111
Latest update: May 26, 2025 14:42
Cheoah Dam
21.3 km
Fort Loudoun
8 km
Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest
24.6 km
Abrams Falls Trail
25.8 km
Gregory Bald
24.3 km
Tellico Blockhouse
8.2 km
Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness
24.6 km
Calderwood Dam
15.4 km
Morganton, Tennessee
13.1 km
Chilhowee Dam
7.4 km
Citico Creek Wilderness
18.3 km
Tomotley
5.3 km
Icehouse Bottom
7.4 km
Calderwood
14.4 km
Clover Hill Mill
18.1 km
Tapoco Lodge Historic District
21.5 km
Fort Loudoun State Park
8.5 km
Sandy Springs Park
25 km
Isaac Yearout House
24.4 km
Craigs Chapel AME Zion Church
11.2 km
William H. Griffitts House
15.8 km
Monroe County Courthouse
21.4 km
Sequoyah Birthplace Museum
8.2 km
McNutt-Howard House
25.6 km
McNutt-McReynolds House
25.7 km
John M. Rorex House
11.7 km
Willard-Clark House
25 km
Look Rock Observation Tower
19.1 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes