Nancy Ward Gravesite
A Beloved Cherokee Woman
Come see the memorial on the Furs to Factories trail.
Contact
Highway 411 E. (halfway between Ocoee & Benton)
Benton, TN
More Information
A statue of Nancy Ward, created by a purported descendant, stood in a cemetery in Grainger County, Tennessee for about 70 years. It disappeared some time in the early 1980s. In January 2006, the missing statue resurfaced as a significant work of American folk art when it was exhibited at the American Antiques Show held at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New Yok City. The statue is currently in the possession of an antiques dealer in Maine. It is widely believed that the sculptor (James Abraham Walker) had originally intended the carving to be placed at Nancy Ward’s gravesite.
Nancy Ward is not only remembered as an important figure to the Cherokee people but is also considered an early pioneer for women in American politics as she advocated for a woman’s voice during a turbulent period in her tribe’s history.
On the day she died in 1822, witnesses saw a white light rise from her body. It took the form of a wolf and then a swan. It fluttered about and then flew off in the direction of her beloved town of Chota. She was the last woman to receive the title of Beloved Woman until the late 20th century.
Hiwassee/Ocoee State Park
423-263-0050 or 888-867-2757
www.tnstateparks.com/parks/about/hiwassee-ocoee
What People Are Saying
Road trip
Linda, NC.
This was a very beautiful drive. It had a lot of overlooks and the trees were very beautiful. We also rode over to Joyce Kilmer Forest. This was a very […]Unbelievable beauty
dbauman, TN
Incredible drive through the Cherokee National Forest. Lots of hiking, waterfalls and mountain streams. Areas of the skyway are rather curvy, so beware. Some like to speed through this area […]Gorgeous views
Mike, AL.
We were surprised at how beautiful this route is. Sadly, our trip was cut short from annual undergrowth burning. We will definitely come back this way.Awesome road and view
Illinois
Nice smooth road that’s a lot of fun with beautiful sights. There’s plenty of pull offs for photos and small hikes and it makes a really nice scenic drive.
Beautiful
Bruce, MS.
We were in town to view the fall foliage. We hit it just right. This drive is magnificent. Several viewing sights along the way. Take advantage of all if possible.See For Yourself
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Places to stay near here
FIND COMFORT NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE
The Tennessee Overhill region covers several areas that are full of wonderful places to stay. No matter where you end up, you can rest easy knowing days full of fun and adventure await!
