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New Echota State Historic Site

Location = New Echota. 1211 Chatsworth Hwy NE (State Hwy 225), Calhoun GA. Open Tue-Sun. Small entry fee.

The New Echota Historic Site was a large Cherokee town labeled as "one of the most important" indigenous sites in the USA. It marks the area where the Trail of Tears all began for the Cherokee people - a tragedy that could have been remedied. New Echota means New Town in English & the Cherokee name is Ustanali. The original New Echota town was located nearby.

The troubling plight of the Cherokee began around 1787, when European & American settlers began encroaching on Cherokee land. Often times the settlers would force their hand using violent against the Cherokee. Even during a peace time truce, the settlers murdered the Cherokee man, Old Tassel and the Chief. The fierce warrior, Chief Dragging Canoe and his Chickamauga Cherokee were the only group left at the time still desperately fighting for their ancestral lands.

It's perfect for a weekend getaway. Calhoun is small, but there's plenty of outdoor things to do. Or, add a side trip. See Vacation tips below.

Check out: Mystery Moon Eyed People, GA

By 1819 the Cherokee government began meeting at New Echota to rally for rights & political power. They formed a Council and Supreme Court and erected buildings for their proceedings. Here, they took a stand for the injustices done against them and told the USA they would no longer give up their lands. New Echota was later declared their capital.

In 1820, Sequoyah created the first Indian alphabet, which led to the first newspaper, The Cherokee Phoenix. It was printed in both languages by 1827. English translation is: Tsalagi-twi-le-hi-sani-hi.

In 1828, the state of Georgia was adamant about forcing the Cherokee from their lands and literally began auctioning off Cherokee land to settlers. Prospectors wanted the land because gold had been discovered there. Later that year, Georgia removed the Indian's rights & protections to own land. By 1830, settlers & white residents had to swear their allegiance to Georgia, not the Cherokee - or go to prison.

In 1832, a Georgia lottery gave Cherokee lands to settlers despite the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling for Cherokee ownership rights. Georgia continued to evict them until they were forced to move to their Council at Red Clay Tennessee in 1834. It was shortly after that New Echota vanished, becoming a ghost town. See my Blog: Cherokee Power at Red Clay.

Photo below left: Room & Board 25 cents. And if you wanted clean sheets, throw in an extra 10 cents. I have no words.... GROSS! Super gross.... considering bath time was what, maybe once a month? Photo below middle: Chief James Vann of mixed blood had 2 of his sons on the New Echota Council. Also, his Tavern was relocated to this site in 1955 . See my Blog about Chief Vann's historic home, and: Mystery Moon Eyed People.

The major USA/Cherokee Treaty in 1835 was never honored because the USA still wanted to remove the Cherokee per the prior 1830 Removal Act. The Cherokee hoping they'd finally have peace, agreed to be relocated to Oklahoma in exchange for their lands in southern states. By 1838-1839, all Cherokee had been forcefully relocated. New Echota remained empty for over 100 years until almost everything was leveled for farmlands. FYI: the full treaty promising a seat in the U.S. Congress was never honored - until 2019. The Cherokee finally have representation in USA government.

Location = Rock Garden. 1411 Rome Rd SW, Calhoun GA, located behind the 7th Day Adventist Church. Open 7 days/week and closes at 7 pm. Free entry, however donations are appreciated. FYI: No pets allowed & climbing on structures is not allowed.

The Rock Garden is a spectacular WOW display. It's not huge - but still a bucket list must. It's unique, enchanting, and incredible. It all started with a man named DeWitt Boyd. It began as a family game, and each of his 8 children received an alter ego to play with. And every time his family moved, he would recreate a village or structure in miniature. DeWitt chose Genghis Khan as his own alter ego.

DeWitt became a member of the Church and got permission to build his dream - so construction of The Rock Garden began in 2007. Through the years, DeWitt and his children, grandchildren, and volunteers built this astonishing site. In 2024, the work is ongoing.

DeWitt discovered that structures made from clay broke easily in cold winters, so he switched to cement reinforced with wire. The other primary materials are: small pebbles, shells, broken glass & china pieces.

Most of the Rock Garden villages took over 12 months to build - however, the most dazzling & detailed Notre Dame Cathedral including stained glass windows took 27 long months to complete. Personally, I can't even imagine trying to find a zillion x a million little pebbles.

Marvel at the intricate details of these famous masterpieces & villages - almost almost perfect replicas. Walk the Rock Garden cobblestone pathways and see more across the bridges. There's more than 50 structures to explore. You can also find tiny figurines of people & pets hidden in some of the structures. There's mosaic designs, colored stones, and tile floors. Can you find the tiny dog that's curled up on a pillow in the upstairs room?

During the years of construction, a love story enfolded. Joyce, who was one of the first volunteers to help DeWitt, finally became his wife after 8 years. They also were the first to get married here.

* Win a Prize - be the first to email me the words on Joyce & Dewitt's plaque. Hint: look at the Prayer Garden.

DeWitt said he wanted the Rock Garden to be a place of prayer & peace, so he placed several bible verses along the walkways & walls.

The cities of Bethlehem & Jerusalem are also represented including the Ten Commandments.

The Rock Garden's Illumination Ceremony

Some of the famous buildings & villages: the Colosseum, Notre Dame Cathedral, Dover Castle, town of Nottingham, Japanese Himeji Castle, city of Bethlehem and more.

Every year around October, people come together for the Illumination Ceremony. Lanterns are hung and the children who visit get to place hundreds of candles all around The Rock Garden. It's a magical glowing display when it's all lit up.

Oothkalooga Creek Loop

Location = Oothkalooga Creek Loop. 601 S. River St, Calhoun GA. Once you turn off S. River St, go 2 blocks past a pavilion/restroom on the left. When the road begins to turn left, you'll see a bridge across the creek - our starting point.

It's a 2.5 mile loop that follows the creek, and it's flat & paved. Just on the edge of town, it makes for a nice relaxing stroll.

More Fun Things to Do - Calhoun

• Harris Arts Center - includes a variety of art galleries with local & international artists.

• Calhoun Drive-In Movie - who knew these still existed, it's awesome - concession stand, arcade, and miniature golf.

• Copper Creek Farm - Sunflower festival is in Jun/Jul and the Fall festival is in Sep/Oct.

• The area is great for hiking/biking and paddling the rivers/lakes.

• Yellow Park - 2.5 mile trail along the river with a kid's playground.

Cross the bridge to begin the loop. Going left has more nature and is the longer section. Going right takes you around a parking lot, fields, and baseball parks. Either way, it's still a loop.

Vacation Travel Tips

• Average temps high/low = Summer 90/65 degrees F. Winter 50/29. GA ranks 5th in humidity & 7th for hurricanes. Winters are short & summers long. Tornado's in Mar-May. Snow in mountain regions.

• Backpack essentials - water, bug spray, sunscreen, whistle, flashlight, cell phone, pocket knife, and a light jacket.

• Winter Essentials - thermal blanket, waterproof boots, and warm clothing.

• Hiking conditions - trails can be wet & slippery after summer rains. Prepare for snow in higher elevations.

• Vehicle safety – Keep a spare blanket, boots, jacket, gloves, and snacks in the car. Winter roads can be icy & covered in snow - use “winter” tires. If you only have "all season" tires, take snow chains.

• Wild animals - black bears are becoming bolder in parks/campsite areas mostly due to food. Coyotes, cougar, bobcat are also present.

• Trash - Pack out what you pack in.

• Rivers/lakes – river shoes are helpful. Heavy winter rains means deep, ice-cold & fast moving water.

• Poison oak - always know before you touch. 3 leaflets per stem, with slightly rounded tip. Poison ivy has the pointy leaf-tips.

• Snakes - there are 6 poisonous types - on land, water & in trees. They generally prefer to avoid humans & biting usually to avoid harm.

• Wilderness areas – take a buddy & tell someone your travel plans.

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