Logging These Mountains Traditional Cache
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To the Cherokee Indians, these Blue Ridge Mountains were known as "the Great Blue Hills of God." With the advent of the white man, logging played an important part in the history of the area. Practically all of the Standing Indian Basin has been logged at one time or another.
In this clearing, at the headwaters of the Nantahala River, Ritter Lumber Company had their base of operations, with a bandsaw mill, residences, store, post office, school, and boarding house. The main logging camp was located at the present Standing Indian Campground.
Logging was done with narrow-gauge steam locomotives, with the main rail line following the banks of the Nantahala River. The old grade is still evident on either side of the campground, as are the spur lines along some of the side creeks.
The Forest Service purchased the land in 1920 for $2-3 per acre. However, Ritter reserved the timber cutting rights for 20 years after the purchase date.
The 248 acre tract is presently protected from further development through a conservation agreement between the long-time landowners, Myra Waldroop and her family, and the Land Trust for the Little Tennessee.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Lbh qba'g arrq n uvag sbe guvf bar.