Murphy NC 28906 - A growing community with small town charm
Murphy, NC and the Trail of Tears
Some small portion of my genetic makeup has been inherited from my Cherokee ancestors, but a large portion of my awareness comes from them and the Cherokee I've had the pleasure of getting to know over the last 30 or more years.
While I don't qualify for official recognition as part Cherokee, I do consider it to be an important part of my heritage.
When I was younger, I studied a lot about the history of the Cherokee and spent a lot of time in Cherokee, NC getting to know a number of the members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee.
Now, before I go any further, I want to tell you that I don't think of someone as Cherokee or not-Cherokee. I have lots of friends who are just that, friends. Most of the time, I don't think about my friends' heritage.
Still, it can be important.
When Mom and Dad first moved here in the 1970s, they became friends with some members of their church. When those friends invited them to come over for Sunday dinner one day, they followed the invitation with this, "You don't have to come, if you don't want to."
When Mom asked, "What do you mean?"
Her new friends replied, "We're Indians, and some people don't want to come to our house and eat with us."
Mom was completely surprised by this and happily accepted their invitation, but she never forgot that they felt that they had to give her an easy way out. They became great friends for many years and frequently shared Sunday dinner and more.
Still, there is some underlying tension, and I think some of it is quite justified.
Just imagine how your great grandchildren would feel if the government of the United States declared that you and everyone you know are going to be rounded up and made to move to a different part of the world, one that is not nearly as nice as where you've lived all your life. Don't you think they would feel tension, too?
So, it is important to remember all the sad things that are part of the Removal and the Trail of Tears.
Why do I bring this up this morning?
A few minutes ago, I walked out of my house and across the road to my mailbox. Many times when I do this, I'm reminded of the Trail of Tears.
You see, I live on Joe Brown Hwy, about six miles north of Murphy. Previously, Joe Brown Hwy was known as the Unicoi Turnpike, and that was the first part of the Trail of Tears. When the natives who settled this land and lived here for many generations were rounded up at Fort Butler and forced to leave, their first day's journey took them right by where I live today. How can I not be reminded of it?
It was a shameful period in our history and should never be forgotten.
On the other hand, it should not unduly influence our friendship with our neighbors.
I created this group this morning to both celebrate the heritage we inherited from the people who lived here before us and to remind ourselves of the hardships they faced when other people wanted to steal their land.
Our Cherokee Indian heritage is an important part of our history and this is a place to discuss it, if you're interested.
All the best,
JD
While I don't qualify for official recognition as part Cherokee, I do consider it to be an important part of my heritage.
When I was younger, I studied a lot about the history of the Cherokee and spent a lot of time in Cherokee, NC getting to know a number of the members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee.
Now, before I go any further, I want to tell you that I don't think of someone as Cherokee or not-Cherokee. I have lots of friends who are just that, friends. Most of the time, I don't think about my friends' heritage.
Still, it can be important.
When Mom and Dad first moved here in the 1970s, they became friends with some members of their church. When those friends invited them to come over for Sunday dinner one day, they followed the invitation with this, "You don't have to come, if you don't want to."
When Mom asked, "What do you mean?"
Her new friends replied, "We're Indians, and some people don't want to come to our house and eat with us."
Mom was completely surprised by this and happily accepted their invitation, but she never forgot that they felt that they had to give her an easy way out. They became great friends for many years and frequently shared Sunday dinner and more.
Still, there is some underlying tension, and I think some of it is quite justified.
Just imagine how your great grandchildren would feel if the government of the United States declared that you and everyone you know are going to be rounded up and made to move to a different part of the world, one that is not nearly as nice as where you've lived all your life. Don't you think they would feel tension, too?
So, it is important to remember all the sad things that are part of the Removal and the Trail of Tears.
Why do I bring this up this morning?
A few minutes ago, I walked out of my house and across the road to my mailbox. Many times when I do this, I'm reminded of the Trail of Tears.
You see, I live on Joe Brown Hwy, about six miles north of Murphy. Previously, Joe Brown Hwy was known as the Unicoi Turnpike, and that was the first part of the Trail of Tears. When the natives who settled this land and lived here for many generations were rounded up at Fort Butler and forced to leave, their first day's journey took them right by where I live today. How can I not be reminded of it?
It was a shameful period in our history and should never be forgotten.
On the other hand, it should not unduly influence our friendship with our neighbors.
I created this group this morning to both celebrate the heritage we inherited from the people who lived here before us and to remind ourselves of the hardships they faced when other people wanted to steal their land.
Our Cherokee Indian heritage is an important part of our history and this is a place to discuss it, if you're interested.
All the best,
JD
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