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

Nacoochee Indian Mound

By David Seibert, August 3, 2008

1. Nacoochee Indian Mound Marker

Inscription. 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.)

Marker series. This marker is included in the Georgia Historical Society/Commission marker series.

Location. 34° 41.066′ N, 83° 42.521′ W. Marker is near Helen, Georgia, in White County. Marker 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.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Unicoi Turnpike (approx. 0.2 miles away); Nacoochee Valley (approx. half

Nacoochee Indian Mound image. Click for full size.

By David Seibert, August 3, 2008

2. Nacoochee Indian Mound

Mt. Yonah is in the background

a mile away); Early Trading Post (approx. 0.6 miles away); Discovery of Gold (approx. one mile away); Bishop Marvin A. Franklin (approx. 1.2 miles away); White Methodist Church (approx. 1.2 miles away); Stovall Mill Covered Bridge (approx. 3½ miles away); Cleveland (approx. 6.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Helen.

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. (Submitted on August 7, 2008, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia.)

Categories. • Native Americans •

The Nichols-Hardeman House image. Click for full size.

By David Seibert, April 21, 2006

3. The Nichols-Hardeman House

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on August 5, 2008, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 2,247 times since then and 28 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.