To commemorate the upcoming 50th anniversary of New Echota as a State Historic Site, talented and dedicated members of FONE have designed commemorative calendars, posters and tee shirts, and as the community celebrates on Saturday, May 12, 2012, FONE will provide a variety of services for visitors – everything from parking cars, historic building interpretation, and manning the visitor center, to providing funding for publicity, historic demonstrators, musicians, and Cherokee artists.
Activities will be going on all day with a special commemorative ceremony at 2:00 at the Cherokee Council House. FONE members are honored and proud to be associated with such a unique and significant historic site. We invite everyone to come and celebrate with us on Saturday, May 12 and experience the special spirit of New Echota Cherokee Capital State Historic Site. You can visit the Friends of New Echota website here or their facebook page here.
New Echota Cherokee Capital Celebrates
50th Anniversary with May 12 Open House
CALHOUN, GA. April 18, 2012 -- Fifty years ago in May, the former Cherokee Nation capital became Georgia’s newest state historic site. To celebrate the anniversary, the northwest Georgia site will host a celebration and open house at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 12. The day will be filled with living history demonstrations, Native American arts and crafts, and guest speakers. Admission will be free.
New Echota is one of the most significant Cherokee Indian sites in the United States and was where the tragic “Trail of Tears” officially began. In 1825, the Cherokee legislature established a capital called New Echota on the Oostanaula River. During its short history, New Echota was the site of the first Indian language newspaper and one of the earliest experiments in national self-government by an Indian tribe. It was here where the treaty relinquishing Cherokee claims to lands east of the Mississippi River was signed.
During the 50th anniversary celebration, Jim Langford of the Coosawattee Foundation will speak. A temporary cache will be hidden for geocachers who enjoy history-based treasure hunts. Visitors will be able to tour 12 original and reconstructed buildings, including the Court House, Print Shop, missionary home and an 1805 store. In the visitor center, guest can purchase souvenirs, books, music and view interpretive exhibits and a 17-minute film. A one-mile nature trail leads visitors to New Town Creek, a small beaver pond and the Worcester House.
New Echota State Historic Site is located in Calhoun, one mile east of I-75 exit #317 on Ga. Hwy. 225. It is open Thursday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Regular admission is $4.50 for children and $6.50 for adults, but admission is free during the May 12 celebration. To learn more, visit GeorgiaStateParks.org/NewEchota or call (706) 624-1321. The site’s history is posted on gastateparks.org/item/67911.