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Charles Walker's conceptual drawing of an Indian Removal fort. Nearly 190 years ago, in what is now Cherokee County, more specifically in an area near Lake Allatoona and Bridgemill, an Indian Removal fort was built in 1838. Eight years earlier, Camp Hinar was established when a Federal Lieutenant named Abram Fowler destroyed 19 buildings built by prospectors and gold miners who had illegally entered the Cherokee Territory. The Indian Removal Act was passed in May, 1830. Dis

The history of violence, especially when used to protect tradition, and/or fighting against a centralized power structure is frequently found in the historical record. A common perception is that all, if not nearly all of the violence committed by vigilantes groups in the United States was inspired by racism. (K.K.K., Christian Nationalist Movement, Black Panthers) And while this is historically accurate, the anti-revenuer groups of North Georgia during the late 1800s did

When the Indian Removal happened in 1838, a series of stockades were built in Georgia, North Carolina, Alabama, and Tennessee to round them up and house them before their exile to the Oklahoma Territory. Over ten of these forts were built in North Georgia, including Fort Newnan (present Pickens County) and Fort Hetzel in Gilmer County. The map below shows the location of some of the Removal Forts in the southeast. Note: Fort Morrow, Tennessee (above the second G in Georgia

During the 19th and 20th centuries, many counties in the United States had places where the indigent could live and take shelter. They...

The Treaty of Tellico and the great road that traversed Augusta, Georgia to Knoxville, Tennessee. In 1805 the Federal Road was created, having been established by a treaty between the Cherokee and the United States Government. Chief James Vann, a half Scot, half Cherokee leader. The treaty allowed for the passage of the white settlers through the Cherokee Territory. A series of taverns and public houses were constructed along different segments providing travelers with

Fort Newnan was built in March of 1838 in Gilmer County (Present-day Pickens) It was named after Major General Daniel Newnan, Georgia Secretary of State of the 1820s. The Fort was led by Captain Reverend John Dorsey. He led a mounted regiment. On May 26, 1938, After the Indian removal was completed, Captain Dorsey refused to give up the post. A detachment was sent to arrest him, but by their arrival, he had gone home and half of his men had left. The remainder of his tr

Carmel Mission, which took its name on January 7, 1824 - previously named Taloney Mission, was a missionary outpost of the Presbyterians established in 1819 in Gilmer County (present-day Pickens County). The property today is located about two miles northwest of Talking Rock, 12 miles south of Ellijay, just north of 136, and south of Talking Rock Creek by a fifth of a mile on private property. (LL83) Carmel was located near Sanderstown (named after John and George Sander

Chief Vann was a controversial figure. Born in the 1760s, the half Scotsman/half Cherokee, grew to become a wealthy businessman, plantation owner, and slaveowner. He took advantage of the rules set by the United States government in regard to the Old Federal Road. He constructed a beautiful brick mansion near Spring Place, Georgia, and operated several ferries (One near the former Oscarsville, near the Chattahoochee River - relocated to New Echota) across the state. He ow