About Western North carolina

Folk School Concerts

Folk School Concerts are open to the public. They are scheduled for most (but not all) Friday evenings at 7:30. The public is welcome to enjoy a public display of Folk School student crafts from 6:40-7:00 p.m. in the Keith House Community Room, where the concerts are held. Free Admission.

Bi-monthly Saturday Night Dances

Bi-monthly Saturday night dances at the John C. Campbell Folk School, 8-11 p.m. Contra and square dances for adults, children, beginners, singles, and couples, with live music and callers from near and far. Visit the John C. Campbell Folk School web site or call 828-837-2775 or 800-365-5724 for more information.

Murphy Mornings

Every Saturday from 10 am- 2pm in the pocketparks on the corners of Peachtree and Tennessee streets, downtown Murphy, featuring Cedar Valley Farmer's Market; quilters and crafters welcome. For more information, call Jeremiah Smith, 828-837-5143.

Music in the Shoppes of Murphy

The 1st Friday of each month, March thru October, a live band performs from 7-10 p.m. The 3rd Friday of each month is Dance Night at the Daily Grind. Other events include wine tastings. For more information contact the Daily Grind at 828-835-7322.

Children's Arts & Crafts Hour

Held every Saturday at the 2 Much Fun Specialty Toy store beginning at 10:00 am. Promoting Imagination, Learning and Fun! contact Cheryle for more information 828-835-1234.

Children's Story Hour

Every Saturday at the Curiosity Shop Bookstore beginning at 11:15 am.Contact Linda at Curiosity Shop Bookstore for more information 828-835-7433

November

Blacksmith Auction

Unique handcrafted items including ironwork, pottery, basketry, hand woven items, jewelry and will be auctioned off at the John C. Campbell Folkschool from 2-5 p.m. Preview begins at 1 p.m. For more information, call 828-837-2775 or 800-365-5724 or visit online www.folkschool.org

Cheaper by the Dozen (G presented by Licklog Players)

Enjoy the ups and downs of an unusually large and unique family in this comedy. The play is by Frank Gilbreth and Ernestine G. Carey and dramatized by Christopher Sergel. For more information, visit online at www.licklogplayers.org or call 828-389-8632 or 877-691-9906.

Pandean Players in Concert

Brasstown Concert Association will present Pandean Players at 3:00 p.m. in the Keith House at the John C. Campbell Folk School, Brasstown, NC. For more information call, 828-389-0033 or 828-835-9465 or visit our website www.mapaa.org

Rail Day Celebration

Presented by the North American Railcar Operators Association (NARCOA). The group will be traveling from Bryson City to Andrews. They will arrive at the Andrews Train Depot at 11:30 a.m. Rail fans of all ages are invited to come, to see, and talk to owners. Rail fans will have an opportunity to check out the cars, take pictures, and more. They will depart from Andrews Train Depot at 2:00. For more information call Tom Flicon at 828-488-4596.

Tree Lighting & Caroling

The Murphy Hometown Christmas Celebration begins 6 p.m. Friday, November 18, with a tree-lighting ceremony, choirs and, hopefully, hand bells. Shops will be open until 9 p.m. For more information, call Barbara Hughes, 828-837-6821.

Shop 'Til You Drop

Shopping day complete with Santa strolling around town and merchants offering incentives to shoppers such as sales, snacks, etc. Shops open to around 7 p.m. through the week. For more information, call Barbara Hughes, 828-837-6821.

December

Wine Tasting

Sample gourmet cuisine and signature wines from around the world and listen to the jazz melodies of Charles and Louie at Doyle's Cedar Hill Restaurant from 6-9 p.m. Admission is $25 per person. For more information, call 828-837-3400.

Tour of Homes

Andrews homes will be decorated for the holidays and showcased from 1-5 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the Valleytown Cultural Arts Society. For more information, call

828-837-2242 or 828-321-3584.

Hometown Christmas Celebration

Downtown Murphy, crafts, food, entertainment, parade. The event begins at 2 p.m. For more information contact Barbara Hughes, 828-837-6821

Fireside Sale

Local and regional artists selling handmade crafts in the beautifully decorated Keith House at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, featuring a crackling fire and live holiday music. This event lasts from 10 a.m.-5:00 p.m. For more information, call 1-800-FOLK-SCH or 828-837-2775.

Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol

A dramatic costumed reading by Bob Grove to be held at the John C. Campbell Folk School on Monday, December 5th at 7 p.m. Free Admission. For more information, call 828-837-2775 or 1-800-FOLK-SCH.

Angelo Santimari

Latin and Blue Grass performance at Doyle's Cedar Hill Restaurant. For more information, call 828-837-3400.

Love Lights A Tree

A pine tree at the Andrews Chamber of Commerce will be lit Saturday, Dec. 10th. Memory lights can be purchased for $5. Names will be published in the Christmas edition of the Andrews Journal. For more information, call 828-321-3584.

Organ Concert

Organists Jack Davis and Doreen Boles will perform on Saturday, Dec. 10th on the 1928 Moeller pipe organ at St. Andrews Lutheran Church on Main Street in Andrews.

Andrews Night Time Christmas Parade

Downtown Andrews. Parade. Contact Wendell or Sarah Hedden, 828-321-4377, for more information.

Homes for the Holidays

Welcome to the 2005 tour of holiday homes sponsored by the Business Women of Murphy. This event features 5 homes beautifully decorated for the holiday season. All proceeds from the tour benefit the nonprofit projects of the Business Women of Murphy.

What a great way to celebrate the holidays with friends and family! You'll enjoy festive holiday decorations while sampling delightful refreshments at each of the lovely homes on our tour. You'll be glad you're home for the holidays!

Tickets are available at the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, The Candy Store, 2 Much Fun, Sassy's Wardrobe and Gifts in a Basket. They are $10 in advance, $15 at door. This event lasts from 1:00-6:00 p.m. For more information, contact Marie Speigel at 828-835-8821.

A Christmas Carol (G presented by Licklog Players)

Enjoy a company of traveling players about to enact Dickens' story. They discover the actors playing Scrooge and Tiny Tim have abandoned the production; but the show must go on! The play is by Charles Dickens; adopted by Doris Baizley. For more information, visit on line at www.licklogplayers.org or call 828-837-8632 or 877-691-9906.

Kids Christmas Party

The John C. Campbell Folk School will host an afternoon of storytelling, music, games and a special visit from you know who. Activities begin at 1:00 p.m. sharp in the Keith House. For more information, call 828-837-2275.

Auld Lang Syne

A screening of "A Stroll Down the Valley River" will be held at the Andrews Community Center as the last event in the town's year long centennial celebration.For more information, call 828-321-3584.

11th Annual New Year's Eve Possum Drop

Ring in the New Year at Clay's Corner in Brasstown, NC with bluegrass music, a Miss Possum Contest, Little Brasstown Church Choir, the Blessing, cider and good clean fun. For more information call 828-837-3797.

Welcome to Cherokee County, a special place in the southwestern corner of North Carolina where the forested mountains touch the sky, the lakes sparkle, the air is crisp and clean, and the charm of small town America still exists.

Come find your "peace" of the mountains

Cherokee County is a place where you and your family can enjoy your "peace" of the mountains - filling your time with fun, beauty, recreation, and rest while you enjoy peace of mind and a renewed spirit.

Murphy, Andrews and other townships in the county offer holiday festivities and are surrounded by great fishing, golf, whitewater adventures, hiking, horseback riding and a host of other activities necessary to round out any mountain vacation adventure.

Aside from the endless scenic and recreational opportunities, Cherokee County offers theaters, antique shops, craft shows, flea markets and festivals. You will find plenty of restaurants, accommodations, recreational activities, churches, shopping and historical points of interest for you and your family to enjoy.

Fairs, festivals, and other special events often take center stage in the county. America's oldest wagon train is the highlight of the Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration in Andrews. As autumn colors arrive, the National Appalachian Jeep Jamboree in Murphy, and the Antique Car Show in Andrews are popular events.

From its eastern edge to its western border, Cherokee County features a delightful mix of tradition and history.

Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce • 805 West U.S. 64 • Murphy NC 28906

(828) 837-2242 • Fax (828) 837-6012 • info@cherokeecountychamber.com

Community Information

Our Towns and Communities

MURPHY: Murphy, the county seat, has the distinction of being known as both the first and last town in North Carolina, depending on which way you're going, of course. Murphy combines a rich, interesting past with a strong promising future. Murphy began as an Indian trading post called Huntersville, then Huntington, and finally was named after Archibald D. Murphey, who was a state senator and an advocate of education in Western North Carolina.

ANDREWS: Andrews and its surrounding valley is ringed to the north and east by the Snowbird Mountains. The town of Andrews offers a quiet reminder of days when this area of North Carolina was part of the rugged mountain terrain, when roads were only horse trails, and when everyone looked out for his neighbor. Things haven't changed all that much. Horses still abound in the area and friendliness, neighborliness, and a sense of security still prevail. The history of Andrews is closely related to the building of the Richmond and Danville Railroad, which was complete in Andrews in the spring of 1890. Andrews was named in honor of the railroad's second vice president, Colonel A. B. Andrews.

OTHER COMMUNITIES: Cherokee County has several unique communities sprinkled throughout its mountains and valleys. One of the most well-known is the craft community of Brasstown. Topton, the gateway to the Nantahala Gorge offers many recreational facilities. The Peachtree community is home to Murphy Medical Center, Tri-County Community College and several of the county's industries. It is one of the fastest growing areas in the county. Other communities include Hiwassee Dam, which boasts its own high school, Marble, Ranger, Martin's Creek, Bellview, Hanging Dog and Culberson.

Area History:

1540 Hernando DeSoto passed through this area in search of gold.

1820-21 A Baptist mission school and church was established.

1828-30 A.R.S. Hunter established a trading post on the Hiwassee River near the Valley River. The settlement became known as Huntington.

1836-38 General Winfield Scott and soldiers set up headquarters for the removal of the Cherokee along the infamous "Trail of Tears." The largest fort was Ft. Butler (a monument marks the site).

1839 Cherokee County was formed from a portion of Macon County.

1844 First county courthouse was erected, of locally produced brick.

1851 Murphy was incorporated as the county seat.

1852 First industry established--Stewart Tannery in Andrews.

1861 Cherokee County raised 1,100 men for the Confederate Army.

1865 Kirk's Raiders burned courthouse.

1869 Harshaw Chapel was built.

1873 First newspaper was published--"The Cherokee Herald".

1888 First railroad reached Murphy.

1890 Town of Andrews was incorporated.

1922 First paved highway opened from Murphy to the Georgia line.

1925 Monument erected at site of Ft. Butler.

John C. Campbell Folk School founded.

1926 Asheville to Murphy highway opened.

1930 A pyramid was erected as a monument to A.R.S. Hunter by his granddaughter, which still stands as the only pyramid known to exist in Western North Carolina.

1933 Archaeological excavation of Peachtree mound and village was conducted by the Smithsonian Institute.

1938 Hiwassee Dam was completed, providing electricity to portions of the county.

1940 Fields of the Wood was established.

1958 Tellico to Murphy wagon train began.

1964 Tri-County Technical Institute (later Tri-County Community College) opened.

1974 First Fall Festival was held at John C. Campbell Folk School.

1996 Olympic Whitewater events held on Ocoee River TN, 30 miles west of Murphy.

Cherokee Indian Reservation:

The Mountain Farm Museum, situated on the banks of the Oconaluftee River just inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is a collection of of southern Appalachian farm buildings assembled from different locations throughout the Park.

Oconaluftee Indian Village Model of a Cherokee village from over 225 years ago. Presented by the non-profit Cherokee Historical Association, the Oconaluftee Indian Village is a glimpse of the past. Here you will see the model of a Cherokee village from over 225 years ago! Cherokee guides in native costume will explain their history, the culture and life-style of their ancestors, and answer your questions. This is all while pausing to watch Cherokee demonstrate their arts and crafts.

This 18th century replica of a Cherokee community contains a replica of a 7-sided Council House and typical homes as they were 250 years ago. www.oconalufteevillage.com.

Qualla Boundary/Cherokee Trout Fishing Season -- All rivers and ponds are open every day from the last Saturday in March through the end of the following February.

Harrah's Cherokee Casino: Harrah's, the top name in casino entertainment, offers the biggest fun you've ever seen. We've opened a casino the size of three football fields, featuring all your favorite games in video format, like Double Diamonds, Red, White & Blue and Sizzling Sevens, all with the added skill feature of a second spin to win. Eastern Band working to bring live dealers to Harrah’s Cherokee Casino - Visitors to Harrah’s Cherokee Casino may soon have new gaming options if the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is successful in renegotiating the tribe’s gaming compact with the state.

Maggie Valley is Only A Few Miles from Cherokee. Deep within the Smoky Mountains is a valley unlike you've ever seen. Far from big cities and beyond the expectations of its visitors, Maggie Valley is a place where nature offers its best and fun vacations begin. The Smoky Mountains are the oldest on earth and provide wonderful experiences at every turn. Dominated by mile high peaks, lush valleys, rushing rivers, and more species of birds, plants, animals, and tree than anywhere else in the world, these mountains are nothing less than exhilarating. Quaint shops, respected artisans, parks, fishing lakes, historical sites, great entertainment are all part of Maggie Valley.

Calendar of Events in Cherokee:

November 4-6

Cruise the Smokies Rod Run

Barclay’s Outlet Lot

On 441N in Cherokee, next to The Cherokee Fun Park

November 4

Show & Shine

8am-5pm; Poker Walk 1-3pm Cash Drawings & Door Prizes 4-5pm. Cook-Out 5:30pm

November 4

Cruise & Poker Run

9:30am-1pm. Show & Shine 1pm-6pm. Cash Drawings & Door Prizes 4-5pm. Cruise to Harrah’s 6pm. The Drifters Concert @ Harrah’s 7pm (This pass does NOT include concert tickets!)

November 6

Show & Shine

8am-2pm; Devotion Service 9-11am. Chief, Vice Chief & Chairman Awards Ceremonies 11am-12:00pm. Final Grand Prize Drawings 12:30pm

November 11-13

AA Convention

Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds

November 19

Cherokee Motorcycle Toy Run

Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds

Cherokee Indians in the Great Smoky Mountains

This is a great resource for students. This site has information on Cherokee culture, government, and lots more.

1984 Cherokee "Original Keetoowah Society"

Video available online:

1984 55 min. Documentary Video "Spirit of the Fire" - revealing the "Original Keetoowah Society" spiritual core of the Cherokee Nation. The Smithsonian institution was turned down by the Nighthawk Keetoowah elders in favor a Tulsa news man, Bill Jones because he had "blue veins" and came in a good way.

KJRH TV Tulsa's Bill Jones was privileged to produce this documentary - filming the sacred Stomp Dance, Pipe Ceremony and display of Keetoowah Wampum Belts for the very first time.

www.keetoowah-society.org

Georgia Tribe of Eastern Cherokee - A state recognized Tribe of fully documented Cherokee descendants. History of the Cherokee Indians: History of Cherokee Indians in the Smokies - This is a great resource for students. This site has information on Cherokee culture, government, and lots more. Museum of the Cherokee Indians - Totally renovated in 1998, the new museum tells the story of the Cherokee people using high-tech wizardry along with an extensive artifact collection. Cherokee County Historical Museum, Inc. - historical museum for the collection, preservation, restoration, storage, study, and exhibition to the general public of artifacts, books, papers, photographs, and other materials significant to the history, culture, and heritage of Cherokee County, North Carolina. Cherokee Flags - Get some background information about several bands of Cherokee dispersed by government mandates in the 1800s. Embedded links lead to more about the Trail of Tears, the Five Civilized Tribes and other resources. Cherokee Language Materials: VIP Publishing - Learn how to speak a language that's thousands of years old with the help of these educational materials. Books, software and tapes come with descriptions, prices and ordering information. History of the Cherokee - An excellent information source for anyone interested in Native American life, this site presents a comprehensive history, as well as images and maps, genealogy links and recommended books and newspapers. Trail of Tears : The Rise and Fall of the Cherokee Nation

by John Ehle. From the Publisher: The fascinating portrayal of the Cherokee nation, filled with Native American legend, lore, and religion -- a gripping American drama of power, politics, betrayal, and ambition.

Fishing in Cherokee

Some of the best trout fishing in the Eastern United States is found in the 30 miles of streams on the Cherokee Indian Reservation. The Cherokee Fish and Game Management stocks the streams and three ponds with hundreds of thousands of rainbow, brook, and brown trout every year. Trout season opens the last Saturday of March and continues through February 28 of the following year. Fishing is permitted from one-half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset. Although no state license is needed anglers must obtain the required $5.00 Tribal Fishing Permit available at nearly two dozen Cherokee businesses. The daily creel limit is 10 per permit holder. Cherokee Fish and Game Management: 704-497-5201.