Native American Plaza

Native American Plaza. . Native peoples have played a prominent role in the Cumberland River Valley's indigenous heritage. The names of significant tribes, prominent chiefs and warriors are recognized on the remembrance ring., Shawnee . Delaware . Kaskinampo . Mosopelea , Chickasaw , Red King , Piominko , George Colbert Tootemastubbe , William Colbert Chooshemataha , Jessie Moniac , Wolf's Friend Mooleshawskek, Creek , Alexander McGillivray , Talotiskee , Tecumseh , Chiksika , Shawnee Warrior, Choctow , Ileepoenautlau Shot-in-the-Mouth , Itlehoomastubbe Redwood , Piamustubbe , Tunnathoemah Chillashoomastubbe Red Shoes , Hooletenah , Piahoomah , Cherokee , Attakullakulla , Oconostota , Tsiyu , Gunsini Dragging Canoe , The Bench , Little Owl , John Walts , Inali Black Fox , Doublehead , Kiachatalee, Hunting Ground, Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, Native tribes used the Cumberland River Valley as a hunting ground. The Shawnee, Cherokee, Chickasaw, Delaware, Creek, Choctaw, Kaskinampo and Mosopelea were all present in the region. Each exploited the ever-present game that gathered at the local mineral springs, called salt licks, for food and trade. Their presence, the abundance of game and the attraction of fertile farmland attracted longhunters, traders and eventually settlers who were part of the westward expansion across the Appalachian Mountains. Migration heightened during the years of the French and Indian War (1755-1762) and the American Revolution (1775-1783), putting pressure on Native tribes to either accommodate or resist expansion., Middle Tennessee was filled with deer and other large game, including turkey, rabbit, squirrel and bear. A multiplicity of rivers and reeks were stocked with fish. In all, the region was a major source of protein to the Native diet. Little was wasted. Besides food, hides provided for clothing and tent-making. Bones were refashioned as tools and weapons., The Eagle, Tribal religious beliefs, even today, forbid the hunting of certain animals. For the Cherokee, wolves, rattlesnakes and above all else, the eagle, are considered sacred. Remains from these species are restricted to ceremonial use., The eagle is revered by all the Native tribes in middle Tennessee. The largest of the birds of prey, the bald eagle is considered a messenger to the Creator because of the height they can soar. Eagles represent strength, protection, and wisdom.