North Georgia was part of the vast homeland for Cherokee Indians and their decendants. Many places we live and play have a name derived from these educated and innovative people. Creek Indians also were in Georgia and some of their language, as translated by the white man, became the "label" by which we know familiar places now. For example, "Coosa" is used a lot in the Blairsville area, but Ellijay also boasts a very large resort/residential gated community know as Coosawattee River Resort. Coosa was actually the name used by the Cherokee to identify the Creek people. Ellijay means "green earth place". Hiawassee is how the word for grassy place was understood and "translated".
The North Georgia area will again help host a portion of the greatest bicycle race in the USA, the Tour de Georgia. It will all happen next week, April 21-26. Starting in the Savannah area, the route will wind its way up the stateline and throughout east and central Georgia, returning again to Blairsville where cyclists will face the "Little Dragon" and then conquer the ride to the top of Brasstown Bald, Georgia's highest spot at 4700+feet/ This chllenge is great training for those moving on to to the famed French race. Pick a spot along the race route, cheer on your favorite team and let the "whoosh" of the speeding bikes passing you let you feel like you are a part of a great athletic moment!
Judy Aselton
Blue Ridge, Ga.
Comments(1)