Franklin in Macon County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Na'ha or Rebecca Morris

(ca. 1792-1894)

— Women's History Trail —

Na'ha or Rebecca Morris Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tom Bosse, January 4, 2026

1. Na'ha or Rebecca Morris Marker

Inscription. Na'ha, known as Rebecca after marriage to Gideon Morris, had strong ties to Nikwasi. The Morrises' 640-acre reserve was across the river from the ancient town. Its mound was a sacred site, one the Cherokee hoped to protect. After being burned out and forced to abandon their land, Rebecca sued the U.S. government and won $3,000 in compensation. Well-known in Franklin and held in high esteem, she inspired the character of Little Deer in Robert Strange's Eoneguski, the first N.C. novel. Her living descendants include many members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the Cherokee Nation West.

Erected by Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center, Folk Heritage Association of Macon County.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Settlements & Settlers • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1792.

Location. 35° 11.116′ N, 83° 22.443′ W. Marker is in Franklin, North Carolina, in Macon County. It is at the intersection of Northeast Main Street (North Carolina Route 28) and Nikwasi Lane, on the right when traveling north on Northeast Main

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 198 NE Main St, Franklin NC 28734, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s and he Mountains in the Golden Corner. It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in 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: Nokwisiyi (Star Place) (here, next to this marker); Nikwasi (within shouting distance of this marker); Nikwasi Mound (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Bartram Trail (approx. 0.4 miles away); Main Street Milliners (approx. 0.4 miles away); Built in 1907 (approx. 0.4 miles away); William Bartram Naturalist (approx. half a mile away);

Photographed by Tom Bosse, January 4, 2026

2. Na'ha or Rebecca Morris Marker

The North Carolina Bartram Trail (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Franklin.

Nikwasi Mound image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tom Bosse, January 4, 2026

3. Nikwasi Mound

Credits. This page was last revised on January 11, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 10, 2026, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 77 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 10, 2026, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Clearer photos of the marker and its context. • Can you help?