Post by blackcrowheart on Oct 31, 2006 10:36:05 GMT -5
Tribe to regain Macon mound
by Quintin Ellison, qellison@citizen-times.com
published October 25, 2006 12:15 am
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FRANKLIN — After more than a century of private ownership, one of few undisturbed Indian mounds remaining in Western North Carolina will be returned to the Cherokee.
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians will buy 71 acres in Macon County that include the ancient Indian mound. The Land Trust for the Little Tennessee led efforts to see the historic site back in Cherokee hands.
The conservation group holds an option to buy the property in the Cowee community north of Franklin. The land will transfer to the tribe early next year.
The mound, which has never been excavated, was owned by generations of the Hall family before transferring to the late James Porter through his wife, Katherine, said Paul Carlson, executive director of The Land Trust.
“It was James’ desire to see the mound return to Cherokee ownership,” Carlson said.
Eastern Band Principal Chief Michell Hicks said the mound is one of the tribe’s most important historical sites and that it won’t be developed commercially.
“We’re very excited about getting it back,” Hicks said.
by Quintin Ellison, qellison@citizen-times.com
published October 25, 2006 12:15 am
Reader Feedback: Comment on this article | Register here
FRANKLIN — After more than a century of private ownership, one of few undisturbed Indian mounds remaining in Western North Carolina will be returned to the Cherokee.
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians will buy 71 acres in Macon County that include the ancient Indian mound. The Land Trust for the Little Tennessee led efforts to see the historic site back in Cherokee hands.
The conservation group holds an option to buy the property in the Cowee community north of Franklin. The land will transfer to the tribe early next year.
The mound, which has never been excavated, was owned by generations of the Hall family before transferring to the late James Porter through his wife, Katherine, said Paul Carlson, executive director of The Land Trust.
“It was James’ desire to see the mound return to Cherokee ownership,” Carlson said.
Eastern Band Principal Chief Michell Hicks said the mound is one of the tribe’s most important historical sites and that it won’t be developed commercially.
“We’re very excited about getting it back,” Hicks said.