Tallassee, Historical settlement site in Blount County, Tennessee
Tallassee is a small community in Blount County situated along the Little Tennessee River near Chilhowee Dam. The area features a mix of residential properties, rural landscapes, and access to the natural surroundings of the river valley.
The region was home to a Cherokee settlement in the 18th century before European colonization displaced the inhabitants. Archaeological work in the 1950s revealed that the land had been continuously occupied for over 2000 years, supporting multiple cultures.
The name comes from a Cherokee word meaning gold, reflecting the area's historical significance to indigenous peoples. Visitors today can encounter reminders of this heritage through local museums and markers in the community.
The settlement offers basic supplies including grocery stores, gas stations, and simple lodging options for visitors. Access is best by car since the area sits in a rural valley with limited public transportation available.
The original settlement site now rests underwater, submerged by Chilhowee Lake after Chilhowee Dam was built in 1957. This flooding has actually preserved the archaeological remains, making it a rare case where water protected history rather than destroying it.
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