Cherokee Path

Front inscription

The Cherokee Path was once part of an important trade network that connected the Upper, Middle, and Lower Cherokee towns in the west with English settlements at Charles Town and, later, inland outposts like Fort Congaree, in the east. In 1715 there were at least 60 Cherokee villages, totaling roughly 11,000 people, that were connected to the coast via this travel and trade corridor. The trade in deer hides was particularly important to the early Carolina economy.

Reverse inscription

The Cherokee Path once passed through Six Mile, roughly approximating the current route of Main St. The town of Six Mile derived its name from its location along the Path, which was six miles east of the Cherokee town of Keowee and later the trading post at Fort Prince George, both of which are now submerged under the waters of Lake Keowee. During the Anglo-Cherokee Wars (1759-61, 1776-77) the Path was used as a supply line by British and colonial forces.