The Chief Vann House
82 GA Hwy. 225 N., Chatsworth
(706) 695-2598
Website
Known as the Showplace of the Cherokee Nation, the home was built in 1804 by Chief James Vann. Chief Vann contributed to the education of the leaders of the Cherokee Nation by inviting Moravian missionaries to teach his people.
New Echota State Historic Site
1211 Chatsworth Highway, Calhoun
(706) 624-1321
Website
New Echota is where the Cherokee National Legislature established its capital in 1825. It is considered the last capital before their removal along the Trail of Tears. During the tour, view the museum, reconstructed Supreme Courthouse and Council House, Print Shop and Vann’s Tavern, plus the original home of missionary Samuel A. Worchester. New Echota is an official site on the National Trail of Tears.
The Funk Heritage Center
7300 Reinhardt College Circle, Waleska
(770) 720-5970
Website
The Funk Heritage Center is Georgia’s Official Frontier and Southeastern Indian Interpretive Center. It displays an impressive collection of Native American art in a building resembling an Iroquois longhouse. Explore 12,000 years of history featured through artifacts, dioramas, and interpretive workstations in the Hall of the Ancients. See 10,000 antique tools, the Northcutt Discovery Trail, and an Appalachian Settlers Village.
Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site
813 Indian Mounds Rd. S.W., Cartersville
(770) 387-3747
Website
Etowah Indian Mounds is an ancient Indian City that was the ceremonial center for thousands of Native Americans who thrived here from 900-1500 A.D. Mounds served as platforms and temples for the “Priest Chief” and as burial sites for Indian nobility. An audio-visual show and museum interpret many of the artifacts found in excavations.
Chieftains Museum
501 Riverside Parkway, Rome
(706) 291-9494
Website
Chieftains Museum tells the story of Major Ridge, the prominent Cherokee leader who struggled to adapt to the white man’s culture while retaining his Indian heritage. The museum, a National Historic Landmark and an official site on the National Trail of Tears, is located on the banks of the Oostanaula River where Ridge and his family were ferryboat masters, store operators, and slave-owning planters.
