Near Helen in White County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Nacoochee Indian Mound
Photographed by David Seibert, August 3, 2008
1. Nacoochee Indian Mound Marker
Nacoochee Indian Mound was the center of the ancient Cherokee town of Gauxule, visited by DeSoto in 1540 in his search for gold, according to legend. On this ceremonial mound, 190 feet long, 150 feet wide and 20 feet high, stood the Town House where a sacred fire burned unceasingly. Ceremonial dances were performed in and around the Town House. Residents of the town lived on the flat land surrounding the mound. The findings of Heye Foundation archaeologists who explored the mound in 1915 indicate the advanced cultural development of the builders.
Erected 1955 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 154-2.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Exploration • Indigenous Peoples and Communities. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1540.
Location. 34° 41.066′ N, 83° 42.521′ W. Marker is near Helen, Georgia, in White County. It is on Unicoi Turnpike (State Road 17) 0.1 miles east of Helen Highway (State Route 75), on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Helen GA 30545, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Georgia’s Mountains. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Nacoochee Mound
this page online
Regarding Nacoochee Indian Mound. The gazebo on the mound was built in 1890, by Capt. J. H. Nichols, who bought land in the Nachoochee Valley following the Civil War. Capt. Nichols built the Italianate house on the opposite site of Ga. 17 from the mound.
Also see . . . Nacoochee Mound. New Georgia Encyclopedia website entry (Submitted on August 7, 2008, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia.)
Photographed by David Seibert, August 3, 2008
2. Nacoochee Indian Mound
Mt. Yonah is in the background
Photographed by David Seibert, April 21, 2006
3. The Nichols-Hardeman House
Credits. This page was last revised on November 1, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 5, 2008, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 3,408 times since then and 60 times this year. Last updated on August 7, 2008, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 5, 2008, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
