Chilhowee

Chilhowee was a large settlement area along the Little Tennessee River with remains from many different time periods. The site spreads across several miles and shows traces of houses, work areas, and burial grounds left by successive groups.

People settled here in ancient times and continued living in this valley for many centuries as different cultures arrived and stayed. In the 1500s a Spanish explorer named Juan Pardo reached this place and met the Creek people who were living there.

This place served as a meeting point where different peoples lived and traded over many centuries. The pottery and tools found here show how communities exchanged goods and ideas with one another.

The original site is now covered by Chilhowee Lake, which was created when a dam was built in the 1950s. Visitors can still learn about the archaeology by visiting nearby museums that display finds from the excavations.

Two Cherokee legends about this place were recorded, including a story about a demon-like figure and warrior battles. These stories were collected by a researcher and keep alive the memory of what this place meant spiritually to the people who lived here.

Location: Tennessee

GPS coordinates: 35.55230,-84.00740

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:49