Cherokee Heritage Days • Knoxville TN

The town itself, that he would grant the land in order to found, was named after Henry Knox. Knox was George Washington's War Secretary. With assistance of his son-in-law, what would become the town of Knoxville was subdivided and sold in half acre plots for those interested to purchase via a lottery that they had set up. White lived in this original cabin and fort until the late 1700's at whic point he moved to another home which is near the present day South Knoxville Bridge.

The reason behind Cherokee Heritage Days

James White, apparently, was a peace loving fellow. He worked hard to ensure friendship between the settlers of the town and the Cherokee Indians who already lived in the area. He also made sure that he made friends himself with the Native Americans in order to further his peaceful way of life and also to foster commerce and friendship within the area and it's people. Down the line, after White's passing, his family remained prominent with the development of Knoxville and were active in both the political and economic arenas concerning the area.

Due to the above, it is an important happenstance that the fort was restored. Subsequent to that, you'll find that there are often special events which take place at the James White Fort. Most noteworthy of which are Junior Docent Day, HearthScares-The Ghost Tour of Downtown Knoxville, the Annual HearthScares Ball, the Christmas Open House, and of course, the Cherokee Heritage Days.

What to do...

As you might imagine, the Cherokee Heritage Days center around the history and culture of the local Cherokee Indian tribe that was the original human inhabitants of the beautiful area in and around Knoxville. If you are a Native American history buff, this event has your name written all over it! And, as this is an annual event... If you have happened to miss this years festival, you can always hit it up next year! Definitely worth the trip.

Typically held in early August, there's a little something for everyone here. You'll find events centered around dancing, lectures, and tours of the fort itself. You'll also be able to enjoy some more in depth displays that center around the arts and crafts of the era. For example the pottery making, the important to the time craft of basket weaving, and also the dances of the natives. If that isn't enough to entice you, perhaps some knowledge of the Cherokee Language itself will? You'll find that there will be native speaking demonstrations where you'll be able to learn about the language itself and perhaps take a few new words home with you! Among other things, you'll also be able to enjoy panels that recreate the way of life back in the late 1700's which will include a demonstration on the cuisine from that time. Very interesting stuff!