The Lower Cherokee Towns were a group of historical settlements primarily situated in the northern part of the Colony of Georgia and the northwestern area of the Colony of South Carolina. Many of these towns were strategically located along the Keowee River.
Understanding the Lower Cherokee Towns
During a significant period of Cherokee history, these towns represented a distinct geographical and cultural division within the larger Cherokee Nation. Their location in the Piedmont region facilitated interactions, both peaceful and contentious, with European colonial powers and other Indigenous groups. Being based along waterways like the Keowee River was crucial for transportation, trade, and sustenance.
Key Settlements of the Lower Cherokee Towns
The Lower Cherokee Towns encompassed several important communities. Among them were major centers and smaller, yet significant, settlements that played vital roles in the network of Cherokee life.
Here are some of the known Lower Cherokee Towns:
| Town Name | Notes |
|---|---|
| Seneca | Considered a major Lower Town, along Keowee River. |
| Keowee New Towne | Another major Lower Town, along Keowee River. |
| Cheowie | A Lower Town settlement. |
| Cowee | A Lower Town settlement. |
| Coweeshee | A Lower Town settlement. |
| Echoee | A Lower Town settlement. |
| Elejoy | A Lower Town settlement. |
These towns formed a significant part of the Cherokee's historical presence and played a role in the political, economic, and social dynamics of the region during the colonial era.
