NOTE: All of this, and developing information is in the process of being shifted to bleufalcon.org…)
A great deal more has been researched to expand reference to “Lower South Cobb County” beyond the initial look at Vinings. (1.) There is strong historic and archaeological indications of at least 20 to 25 sites that have never fully been documented along the Chattahoochee River from Sope Creek near Roswell to Sandtown below Peachtree Creek; (2.) “Standing Peachtree” was a series of smaller villages that extended over the same area ; and (3.) Many of identified sites suggest tantalizing connection to “Etowah” period mound-building (circa 800 to 1200) Indians prior to subsequent Creek Indians, followed finally by Cherokee before final removal.
It is further firming “theory” that the archaeological opportunities to document these evidences have largely been irretrievably squandered by development or mis-management within Cobb County. However, some evidences are being recovered and documented from a scattering of locations, and there may still be trace evidences, near-site, of definitive value remaining. Once a sufficient cumulative reference is complied, a small scale survey effort is being prepared for submission to the Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources and appropriate authorities to authenticate, as much as possible, the provenances previously suggested.
Vinings Indian evidence follows the piecing of one of these lesser settlements within the “Standing Peachtree” complex of smaller villages. particularly in the very latter period of Cherokee proximity to white settlement and trade, while carrying on an agricultural and commerce activities – better known. These included bottom land cultivation, trade, a road-house/inn (later assumed by Pace), and a river ferry known as Harris Ferry (prior to, and in a different location that the later Pace Perry). This would have preceded removal (1838), and become more evident after Creek granting of lands across the river to Georgia in 1821. A relatively brief period of some 15 to 17 years.
Prior, lands west of the Chattahoochee were considered Creek hunting grounds, with a series of major and minor trails that crossed between settlements and trade in the 18th century. As Creek tribes began to recede ahead of white settlement, the Cherokee (by agreement with same), hunted, traded, and had periodic presents along the river. However, it was understood to be Creek land.
A larger study of the Upper Chattahoochee River Valley is underway, which will attempt to identify the pre-historic traces of location and uses along the river. Therein, may be a deeper story to come…
…and possible scatter near the river:
Any information or assistive interest should be directed to Tony Doyle at bleufalcon@aol.com
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