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Nikwasi Mound

Nikwasi

Nikwasi was an important Cherokee town located on the Little Tennessee River at the site of present-day Franklin, North Carolina.

Still visible, a large mound marks the location of the Nikwasi townhouse. The Nikwasi Mound has remained intact and by never being excavated, its age is uncertain. However, being similar to other nearby mounds, whose age has been determined to be at least 1,000 years, its age is estimated to be the same.

Nikwasi was the spiritual center of the area. A townhouse, used for councils, religious ceremonies, and general meetings, was located on top the mound. Also located there was the ever-burning sacred fire, which the Cherokee had kept burning since the beginning of their culture. Nikwasi mound was a most revered site. The town of Nikwasi was a "white", or peace, town.

It was believed that the Nûñnë'hï, the spirit people, lived under this mound.

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