Tsiyu Gunsini which translates into English as "He is Dragging His
Canoe", known to whites as only Dragging Canoe is considered by
many to be the most significant Native American leader of the
entire Southeast.
At a young age his face was left pockmarked by smallpox. He was
given his name when as a child he shown his eagerness to go to war
by attempting to carry his canoe, the attempt resulting in him only
being able to drag it.
Tall and stately as an adult he emerged as one of the principal
leaders of the Cherokee Nation. He led the resistance of the
encrochment of the white settlers who were pouring over the Blue
Ridge Mountains into Indian Territory. The settler in order to
satisfy their greed for more land continued to break the treaties
signed with the Native Americans.
At the conclusion of the signing of the Treaty of Transylvania
of 1775 Dragging Canoe rose and spoke:
"Whole Indian nations have melted away like snowballs in the sun
before the white man's advance. They leave scarcely a name of our
people except those wrongly recorded by their destroyers.
Where are the Delawares? They have been reduced to a mere shadow
of their former greatness. We had hoped that the white men would
not be willing to travel beyond the mountains. Now that hope is
gone. They have passed the mountains, and have settled upon
Cherokee land. They wish to have that action sanctioned by treaty.
When that is gained, the same encroaching spirit will lead them
upon other land of the Cherokees. New cessions will be asked.
Finally the whole country, which the Cherokees and their fathers
have so long occupied, will be demanded, and the remnant of
Ani-Yunwiya, THE REAL PEOPLE, once so great and formidable, will be
compelled to seek refuge in some distant wilderness. There they
will be permitted to stay only a short while, until they again
behold the advancing banners of the same greedy host. Not being
able to point out any further retreat for the miserable Cherokees,
the extinction of the whole race will be proclaimed. Should we not
therefore run all risks, and incur all consequences, rather than
submit to further loss of our country? Such treaties may be alright
for men who are too old to hunt or fight. As for me, I have my
young warriors about me. We will have our lands. A-WANINSKI, I have
spoken."
He continued to resist the advancemen of "Indian Fighters" such
as John Sevier for many years.
After a successful raid, Dragging Canoe died suddenly during a
Scalp Party that had lasted for days. He was buried in traditional
Cherokee style in a sitting position with his posessions heaped
around him.
This geocache is only accessible from within the confines of
Marble Springs, Home of John Sevier, do not attempt to access it
from John Sevier Hwy. There is no admission fee to this facility,
and it is only open Wed.-Sat. 10:00 to 5:00 and Sunday 12:00 until
5:00.