Sarah Stacke

Kituwah, the Cherokee Mother Town, photographed on September 22, 2020, is the original Cherokee settlement and considered the place of origin for the Cherokee people. This sacred site, which archaeologists date to nearly 10,000 years ago, was reclaimed by the tribe in 1996 after losing ownership of it in the early 1800s. Kituwah Mound, located at the center of the village, is still visible today despite nearly 200 years of farming while not under Cherokee ownership. After the tribe purchased the land, various development proposals were considered for the site, including a golf course, train depot, housing, and greenhouse. When a groundhog uncovered an ancient skull during preparations for one of these projects, the tribe chose to preserve Kituwah instead. Located seven miles outside of downtown Cherokee, Kituwah is today used for cultural gatherings, recreation, and gardening.