As late as the turn of the 19th Century, this was a wild and
dangerous land. In 1837, General Scott was ordered to round up
all the Native Americans in the area and forcibly move them to
the new "Indian Reservation" in Oklahoma (this was the infamous
"Trail of Tears"). The wild country to the west of the Little
Tennessee River was then considered Macon County. In 1839, as
the European settlers moved in, Cherokee County was split off of
Macon County and named after the unfortunate Native Americans
who had called this land home.
Like an
anchor, Cherokee County is the southwest corner of North
Carolina and is almost at the southern end of the Appalachian
Mountains. The county is bounded by the Nantahala National
Forest and the site of two Hiwassee River impoundments: Hiwassee
Lake and Apalachia Lake.
Murphy, the county seat, is often thought of as the primary city in
Cherokee County but population figures show that Andrews, about
16 miles to the northeast (on US-19) has about 40 to 60 greater
population. Marble, about midway between Murphy and Andrews, has
somewhere near 3,000 population. Hiwasse Village, near the
Hiwassee Dam, has been very popular with retirees looking for a
relaxed abode in a wonderful setting.
(continued
in column 2)
|
(continued
from column 1)
In addition to the recreation value of the lakes, Cherokee County
is blessed with many fishing streams, hiking trails and camping
sites. Horseback riding is very popular in Cherokee County as
are golfing, boating and fishing.
While Murphy and Andrews exude a small town air, there is a range
of activities year round including live theatres, movie
theaters, craft shows and festivals. And not to be overlooked is
the exceptionally low crime rate.
Asheville will probably be your launch point in your search for a
new home in this mountain paradise. In
WNC-Tour-Guide.com,
our sister web site, you
can let you computer mouse lead you to descriptions of the many
attractions and adventures Western North Carolina mountains have
to offer. Then via our directories of the real estate agencies
in each of our mountain counties, you can contact someone to
learn what may be available to meet your needs, desires and
budget. Or, fill out our simple form
and we will contact those agencies we feel may be best staffed
to assist you in your search. And, while you're looking, we have
included links to convenient, comfortable
hotels and motels any
of which would delight in being your host. And, yes, you can
make instant, on-line reservations and receive an immediate,
printed confirmation. |
