Mainspring Conservation Trust

Stewards of the Southern Blue Ridge

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You are here: Home / What We Do / Cultural Heritage

Cultural Heritage

The land in the Upper Little Tennessee and Hiwassee River Valley tells many stories. Stories that include Cherokee mounds dating back thousands of years, of a tribe that was revered across the south, and the tragic Cherokee removal on the Trail of Tears in 1838. Stories of American Revolution battles fought in the mid 1700s, and of American naturalist William Bartram’s observations of the area. Stories of survival, families, and community.

Mainspring’s mission includes efforts to preserve the cultural heritage of this landscape. We recognize the connection between Native Americans and European settlers and our modern world and lead initiatives to support the reuse of historical buildings and preserve farmland and historic sites.

Watch these videos to see how we have restored native species to aid in Cherokee artisan basketweaving and have cleaned ancient burial sites for archaeological research.

Long Farm

Cherokee County

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Watagua Mound

Macon County

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Cowee School

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Cowee Mound

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Cowee West’s Mill Historic District

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Morrison House

Macon County

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Vonnie West House

Macon County

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Rickman Store

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Latest News

Smoky Mountain News: Below the Pinnacle: Project seeks to protect 250 acres below Pinnacle Rock

Public Notice Announcement for Reaccreditation

Mainspring Awarded More Than $800,000 in State Land, Water Grants

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557 East Main Street
Franklin, NC 28734
828-524-2711
46 Valley River Avenue
Murphy, NC 28906
828-837-6383
642 West Main Street
Sylva, NC 28779
828-524-2711

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