Near Helen in White County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Early Trading Post

→

Photographed by David Seibert, June 18, 2011

1. Early Trading Post Marker

Inscription. At this point, just north of the safest ford in the Chattahoochee River, the first white settlers in this area built their campfires in 1822. A trading post was soon established on the site and Indians traded gold nuggets and gold-dust to the settlers for merchandise. The first Nacoochee post office was established at the trading post with Charles Williams, son of one of the first settlers, serving as Postmaster for more than 50 years. To this same site in 1838 soldiers gathered the Indians from surrounding valleys and highlands to begin their “Trail of Tears” to the West.

Erected 1955 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 154-6.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society, and the Trail of Tears series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1822.

Location. 34° 40.876′ N, 83° 41.95′ W. Marker is near Helen, Georgia, in White County. It is on Unicoi Turnpike (Georgia Route 17) 0.7 miles east of Helen Highway ( 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.

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Nacoochee Valley (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Game Room (approx. 0.6 miles away); Fountain and Greenhouse (approx. 0.6 miles away); The Residence at West End (approx. 0.6 miles away); a different marker also named The Residence at West End (approx. 0.6 miles away); Nacoochee Indian Mound (approx. 0.6 miles away); Spring and Gas House (approx. 0.6 miles away); Domestic Life at the Farm (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Helen.

Photographed by David Seibert, June 18, 2011

2. Early Trading Post Marker

Looking east on Georgia Highway 17, the Unicoi Turnpike

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 23, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,459 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 23, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.