Indians lived in this area for centuries before being forced out soon after gold was discovered in north Georgia. Earliest knwon were the Mississipians (mound builders), who were followed by the Creeks, then the Cherokees.
Until fairly recent years, men and boys have frequently found arrowheads, stone axes, scrapers, and assorted other stone items crafted by these earlier inhabitants. Many items had been discarded by their owners because they were damaged. Others simply had been lost or misplaced.
Most artifacts have been discovered at sites where hunting parties might have camped, usually near springs or streams, or in areas where early Indian villages existed. In later years Cherokee families lived in wooden cabins, so they often disposed of broken items near their dwelling.
Pottery and religious items have been rarely found. These two items are traditional Cherokee pottery pieces.
Prized Possessions