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BeeePollen's avatar

Near Asheville, NC: Way to hike while learning about the genocide against the indigenous people?

Asked by BeeePollen (422points) May 2nd, 2021

Can anyone recommend any good ways to hike near Asheville, NC while learning about the Trail of Tears, Indian removal, and related events, in a way that is compatible with the wishes of (most of) the descendants of the affected people?

Ideally I would like to find ways to do this that also support the people currently living there and/or could happen under their control.

The stuff that’s most compelling to me is the various large-scale acts of military resistance to Indian removal.

I know there are some trail markers and interpretive sites, but I was wondering whether there might be, for example, any good hiking trails that go by a lot of these sites, or that would help give a perspective on the planning/resistance/conflicts that took place during that period or the issues that exist as a result today. But I also don’t know whether that would be frowned upon by a lot of the locals (or descendants of the displaced) today.

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4 Answers

jca2's avatar

If you don’t find any local trail markers or interpretive sites, you could also try checking books on the topic (Trail of Tears, North Carolina indigenous people, etc.) to see if they have any maps or details that might be helpful to you.

smudges's avatar

I lived in Asheville for a number of years and in my experience, it’s a wonderful, cultural and artistic city. I would visit bookstores and ask the owners/employees your questions. One in particular is Malaprops Bookstore & Cafe. Good luck!

Tropical_Willie's avatar

Go to Cherokee, NC they have a museum. It is about an hour west of Asheville.

janbb's avatar

Here’s one good source of info for you:

https://www.nps.gov/trte/planyourvisit/upload/North-Carolina-Trail-of-Tears-Brochure-508.pdf

And here’s another:

https://www.nps.gov/trte/planyourvisit/places-to-go-in-north-carolina.htm

Usually when you go to the Visitor’s Centers at the National or State Park sites, they will have infromative rangers and trail maps you can pick up for each area.

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