french broad river name origin

n 1923, a year after founding Camp Mondamin in Tuxedo, Frank Bell had the notion to take a group of campers all the way to the Mississippi River by water. Taking a light pack and a few days worth of food, he could just set out along the course of the river, pausing frequently to watch the water rolling over its rocks, and just enjoying the peacefulness and quiet still to be found on its banks. The French Broad River also rests on the crest of the Appalachian Mountains. The name first appears in official records in 1777, and may come from the fact that with treaty of Paris that ended the French and Indian war in 1763 all waters that flowed into the Mississippi … chris bell via boatertalk. He was plunged so deep into the hole that he later developed the belief, based on the experience, that life jackets were a bad idea.”, founder of camps Mondamin and Green Cove in Tuxedo (the camps are on the reservoir that feeds the Upper, Narrows and Lower Green). The eddying current swallowed the canoe and tossed it end over end, forcing Chief and his apprentice to swim to the sandy beach below the rapid. The “tunnel” is on the right side of the island at a rapid called Pit Stop on Section IX of the French Broad (the rapid is also sometimes called Pinball, but that generally refers to the left side of the island). Its modern name came from early European settlers. A mid-ocean ridge in the Atlantic rises up from deep heat, pushing our continental plate westward. The French Broad River is believed to be one of the oldest in the world because it cuts through ancient rocks in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. This driving tour is designed to take you along the river to the east side of town, where the French Broad forms a fertile valley. French Broad Overview NC Scenic Byway: Drive NC Highway 251 to three riverside parks. The Cherokees had several names for river, including Tah-kee-os-tee or “racing waters,” as well as Poe-li-co, Agiqua, and Zillicoah. The Cherokee have a variety of names for me: Agiqua in the mountains, Zillicoah above Asheville, and Tahkeeosteh after Asheville. And as he looks into the pool, he seems to see the form of a beautiful dark-haired woman rising out of the water towards him. French Broad: Before the white settlers arrived to the region, the French Broad had many other names. When dawn comes, he cooks his breakfast, packs his tent, and makes his way further down the river, moving more slowly than yesterday and still feeling groggy and dazed. This approach certainly makes more sense if you're traveling along a river instead of looking at it on a map, but it was the source of miscommunication between the Europeans conducting their surveys and the Indians being asked the questions. Again, he awakes to the sound of singing, but this time the voice comes at midnight, and the young man steps out of his tent to stand by the banks of the river in the darkness, the sound persists. Wikipedia The water level was up and, as they approached the rapid in question, the biggest of the run, “Chief and his camper partner James McClester attempted to run the rapid and ended up in the infamous hole at the bottom. Updated: 07-17-2020 Critical Habitat Designations: Appalachian elktoe - Alasmidonta raveneliana - The main stem of the Little River (French Broad River system), from the Cascade Lake Power Plant, downstream to its confluence with the French Broad River.. In some of the early maps it is named Frank River, referring to the French. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. James was thrown free of the hole, but Chief was re-circulated. One of the most puzzling mysteries of the French Broad river itself is why exactly it is French. The tunnel is formed by two boulders that touch; the water did not actually carve a hole through solid rock. French and Cherokee History The river was named the French Broad to distinguish it from North Carolina’s other Broad River and because the territory into which it drained was held by the French. Portions of the river … The English originally knew it as the Broad River—the way it … But Baird also worries about the housing developments growing up to the river’s edge. The French Broad River in North Carolina was once adjacent to Ethiopia. With wild brown trout being some of the smaller fish in the river … The French Broad has been called the classic example of an Appalachian mountain river and like most of the mountain region which surrounds it, nourishes paradox. Among those earliest settlers were Benjamin McFarland, William Carson, and William Mays. But again his dreams are troubled by the vision of the dark-haired woman. 1840? Nonetheless, it is truly a tunnel; there is nothing but rock over your head for five feet or so and it is barely wide enough for a Gyramax to fit. Studies have proven archaeological sites in the Seven Falls area and the Follies area of Etowah and other locations along the French Broad. Frank Bell’s: According to his grandson, Frank “Chief” Bell, director of Camp Mondamin (one of the premier paddling camps of the time), was taking a small group of campers down section nine of the French Broad in 1923 in wooden canoes. ... Fact- The New River has been linked with numerous different names during our brief history in juxtaposition, with itself. A subtle, beautiful singing full of rich melancholy and precious longing. Douglas Dam and Reservoir, part of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), is on the French Broad east of Knoxville. Such a man might decide to head out on his own, and just follow the course of a nearby wandering river. As night comes into its own, the young man hears the sweet singing once again, more indescribably beautiful than any voice he has ever heard. ... Fact- The New River has been linked with numerous different names during our brief history in juxtaposition, with itself. The Cherokee names for the French Broad River vary, but the most common was Tah-kee-os-tee, meaning racing waters. All the above history has been given in order to tell the story of one minister, Richard Newport {b. ca. Headwaters Outfitters proudly acknowledges the birth of the French Broad River right at our property, dubbed by the locals as “The Forks of the River.” This is where its North and West Forks merge, beginning its long and north-easterly journey to the Gulf of Mexico. The French Broad flows west into the Tennessee river which eventually joins the Mississippi, and so the name might have been given around that time. Numerous artifacts have been found near the following locations: 1. … The huge hot spot now under Yellowstone was once under southeastern Oregon. French settlers borrowed the name Agiqua, while nearby English settlers called it the French Broad to distinguish it from the other broad river in Western North Carolina, the English Broad (now simply known as Broad River). Main tributaries are the Pigeon and Nolichucky rivers. Cherokee naming conventions also differed from European ones, along with eastern Native American naming conventions in general, in that the Native Americans tended not to give single names to entire rivers but instead gave individual names to geographically important features along the river. The one which flowed into land claimed by France at that time was named the "French Broad River", whereas the other, which stayed in land claimed by England – the Colony of North Carolina – was named the "English Broad River".. A beautiful, dark haired, dark eyed woman walks in and out of his restless mind all night. As twilight descends into night, the young man doesn't go inside of his tent, but still sits by the side of the river, staring into the deep waters of the pool. At the time of its naming, the land to the north was owned by the French. He pitches his tent well before dusk and sits by the river to wait. The story of the Siren of the French Broad first appears in print in 1845 as Tzelica, A Tradition of the French Broad, a 64-line poem by William Gilmore Simms published in his Southern and Western magazine, but is more widely known from the 1896 retelling in Charles Montgomery Skinner's Myths and Legends of Our Own Land. With the hills becoming so crowded, a man who wants to get out alone in the wilderness has farther and farther to go. The French Broad is part of the famous Rivers of America Series published by Holt, Rinehart. Enchanted, he lays down by the side of the river, and with the sound in his mind his exhausted body gives in and he drifts off to sleep. You line yourself up to drop through by placing one hand on the rock face on either side of the entrance. ), who served as pastor of the old French Broad River Baptist Church in Henderson County {Carolina Association) for … The French Broad River where it flows near Paint Rock, N.C. On the third day, he walks even more slowly than the last, and when he gets to a certain bend in the river where the water collects in a deep pool, he finds himself unwilling to move from the spot. She is naked and more perfect than he could have imagined, the smooth curves of her body seeming to repeat the slow, smooth curves of the river. Within these areas, the … When their boat came out sometime later, all the seats and twarts had blown out and the boat had completely lost its shape and essentially was destroyed. This is the highest stage observed for the French Broad River at Asheville since measurements began in October 1895. Trout Fishing the French Broad. WCU 2008 “From Asheville to the Tennessee line, the Southern Railway follow the tortuous windings of the French Broad River, crossing it from bank to bank several times.” ~From “With Pen and Camera thro’ the Land of the Sky, 1904.” Early in the 19th century railroads were being built throughout the expanding United States. The Cherokees had several names for river, including Tah-kee-os-tee or “racing waters,” as well as Poe-li-co, Agiqua, and Zillicoah. The river’s name is fairly literal- it is a wide river that flowed into the French territory. It's the longest free-flowing river in North Carolina, and it inches into Tennessee. The French Broad travels for about 100 miles from the headwaters to Hot Springs, passing through Brevard, Hendersonville, Asheville and Marshall, NC. But Baird also worries about the housing developments growing up to the river’s edge. When he wakes on the hard rocks, it's well past dawn and all he can remember from his dreams is that the woman was there again and this time she seemed much closer. The name first appears in official records in 1777, and may come from the fact that with treaty of Paris that ended the French and Indian war in 1763 all waters that flowed into the Mississippi basin were deemed French territory. ( Log Out /  Take U.S. 25/70 toward Marshall and turn left at the first stoplight onto Monticello Road. Devestating flooding of adjacent areas of the French Broad River Valley is likely. To distinguish it from the few other wide rivers in the region (such as the Broad River, Rocky Broad, etc) the settlers drew upon its other most interesting feature- the fact that it runs south to north, unlike most rivers in the United States. That is the source of much of its allure- and despair. The Cherokee have a variety of names for me: Agiqua in the mountains, Zillicoah above Asheville, and Tahkeeosteh after Asheville. That is the source of much of its allure- and despair. The Cherokee called the river “long man,” and its many tributaries the “chattering children.” ”Tahkeyostee,” or “where they race,” was the region south of Asheville, “Zillicoah” to the north, and “Poelico“ meaning “broad” in the mountains. A little history because it’s too cool not to mention: The French Broad is the third oldest river in the world (only the Nile and the New predate it) meaning it existed and had this south to north run prior to the mountains existing around it. History, M.A. When the French Broad river was young, so was the world.”. Still, the name as we have it is a fine one, and reminds us of what seems like an improbable time when part of North Carolina was French territory. body adopted the name Kehukee Primitive Baptist Association. A History of Whitewater Paddling in Western North Carolina: Water Wise – Will Leverette – June 2008 pub. He doesn't get as far down the river as he thinks he will, and when the evening comes he's glad to pitch his tent and lay down wrapped in his bag. The English originally knew it as the Broad Riverthe way it was written on a 1766 map of Indian Nations. ( Log Out /  The river was named French Broad to distinguish it from North Carolina’s Broad River. There are river features just above Hot Springs that are of particular interest to geologists. There ge expects sleep to come easy after his exhausting day. Headwaters Outfitters proudly acknowledges the birth of the French Broad River right at our property, dubbed by the locals as “The Forks of the River.” This is where its North and West Forks merge, beginning its long and north-easterly journey to the Gulf of Mexico. The origin of the river’s unusual name is something of a mystery, though most people agree that it’s … And though the whole night through he dreams of nothing but her, he can never see her clearly and she always seems like she's a great distance away. French Broad River in Madison County. But on the first night, after he pitches his tent and settles down in his sleeping bag, he may find himself tossing and turning and troubled by strange dreams. In this way, the names of many smaller features transferred themselves onto entire rivers. Unable to resist, the young man reaches into the water to touch the woman, but as her hand wraps around his, it's not warm flesh that he feels, but cold, rough and slimy scales and claws that dig painfully into his arm before he can pull away. History records show that we received our first settlers as early as 1780. The Cherokee called the river “Long Man,” with the tributaries being called the “Chattering Children.”. Copyright © 2007-2020 North Carolina Ghosts. There was also another nearby river that had been named the Broad River, so the French could have been added to help differentiate it from the nearby Broad river. To him, the French Broad … The earliest settlers in the area called the river the ‘broad’ because it was one of the widest rivers in the area, impressively so, compared to all the small creeks nearby. “People who fished the French Broad were considered a little off.” With improved water quality in the past 30 years, the number of fishers and paddlers has increased significantly. I am the French Broad River, named by French settlers in the region centuries ago at a time when I was one of the two broad rivers in western North Carolina. If he started out from Asheville, his course would naturally be along the French Broad whose wide banks skirt the city. What Makes It Special. Archaeological studies have confirmed an ancient village along Mills River near the intersection of N.C. 280 and N.C. 191. The earliest settlers in the area called the river the ‘broad’ because it was one of the widest rivers in the area, impressively so, compared to all the small creeks nearby. 19: Major Flooding continues. One of the most puzzling mysteries of the French Broad river itself is why exactly it is French. The French Broad River was named by white settlers centuries ago because it was one of the two broad rivers in western North Carolina. “It existed before a huge landmass crashed into the eastern shores of the main body of land that is now North America. Main tributaries are the Pigeon and Nolichucky rivers. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. One of several unique features of the river is that it flows north. The French Broad has been called the classic example of an Appalachian mountain river and like most of the mountain region which surrounds it, nourishes paradox. The Cherokee names for the French Broad River vary, but the most common was Tah-kee-os-tee, meaning ‘‘racing waters.’’ Others, such as Peo-li-co, Agiqua, and Zillicoah, usually referred to only a part of the river. Endangered Species, Threatened Species, and Candidate Species, Transylvania County, North Carolina. The river and the state both take their names from the tribe, that's clear enough, but the meaning of the name was another matter. A mountain river is the path of least resistance revealed by water, and the French Broad's curvature historically dictated the placement of villages, towns, and industry. Hot Springs is a small town with a rich history. French Broad River MPO seeks public input for regional transit study Posted on November 30, 2020 November 30, 2020 — Community Bulletin Notice from Land of Sky Regional Council: This Methodist Church was established in the late 1780’s to serve the people that had located in the Nolichucky-French Broad River region. Of the two broad (wide) rivers in this area, this one flowed into French territory in Tennessee. Its unusual name evokes the colonial era, dating from when it was presumed to flow away from the original English colonies, and toward French territory. Its unusual name evokes the colonial era, dating from when it was presumed to flow away from the original English colonies, and toward French territory. Trout fishing the French Broad river is a different ball game. This driving tour is designed to take you along the river to the east side of town, where the French Broad forms a fertile valley. The vertical drop is quite small (only a foot or so) and the tunnel is frequently filled with debris. French and Cherokee History The river was named the French Broad to distinguish it from North Carolina’s other Broad River and because the territory into which it drained was held by the French. This overlook is on the south side of Asheville, close to the North Carolina Arboretum and NC 191. Before Europeans landed on American shores, the upper stretches of the Alabama River in present-day Alabama used to be the home lands of a Native American tribe called – drum roll, please – the Alabama (Albaamaha in their own tribal language). The headwaters of the French Broad River begin just west of the Eastern Continental Divide near Rosman, NC, about 60 miles south of Asheville near the South Carolina state line. The headwaters of the French Broad River spill from a 50-foot waterfall in Transylvania County. The French Broad flows west and was associated with French settlers to the west. Before he even has a chance to scream, the cold grip pulls him into the dark water and he disappears below the surface and to his doom, another young life lost to the Siren of the French Broad. To him, the French Broad … Early settlers called the river the French Broad because it flowed into what was then French territory. Most fly fishing anglers turn their head when they hear someone talking about trout fishing the French Broad river. The French Broad flows west and was associated with French settlers to the west. Others, such as Peo-li-co, Agiqua, and Zillicoah, usually referred to only a part of the river. Unlike many of the names in this thread, the name was not the result of a mishap but was given after an intentional run by Tom in 1984.”, Sources: The first church of the area was Beth-Car. Change ). When the collision took place, over thousands of years in duration and millions of years ago, the land slowly buckled and began the formation of the Appalachian Chain. Skinner reports that the Cherokee name for the river was Tselica, though this may be more a product of Skinner's imagination than the Cherokee language. And as the voice grows louder it seems to be coming from the pool of dark water by his feet. Hence the French Broad River was named! However, the current topographic relief of the Southern Appalachians is relatively new, making it virtually impossible to estimate the age of the river. Devastating impacts are likely ongoing from Woodfin to I-240 and Carrier Park. He is woken before dawn by the sound of what he thinks is singing, but the sound soon vanishes as he waits in his tent for the light to come. Our Riverkeeper recently completed a 219-mile paddle trip all through the French Broad River watershed – from Rosman, NC to Knoxville, TN. As French explorers took the name down the river with them to the delta, it was adopted by local Indian tribes and replaced their own names, and the earlier Spanish explorers' names, for the river. The Nolichucky eventually concludes its winding journey near Morristown, Tennessee, where it joins the French Broad River. The French Broad is believed to be the third-oldest river in the world. The earliest settlers in the area called the river the ‘broad’ because it was one of the widest rivers in the area, impressively so, compared to all the small creeks nearby. The French who settled in the northern area of the river’s watershed called it the Agiqua River. The river was named French Broad to distinguish it from North Carolina’s Broad River. Thirty days later, they reached the Mississippi, Tom’s Tunnel: “Named after Tom Blue. By 1776, however, the word French had been added because much of the territory west of the Blue Ridge, where the river drained, was occupied by the French in the 1700s. The name of French Broad was given to it before 1763, when the French formally relinquished all claim to this region after the French and Indian War. Overview and History. Not us! Nowadays, it seems like the Appalachian trail is as crowded as a busy city street, with noisy novice hikers clad head to toe in the latest, most expensive, gear, armed with GPS devices and constantly talking on their cell phones. As the mountains gained height, the river kept flowing, cutting into and through them as they rose. Despite a wealth of recorded encounters with the tribe – Her… “People who fished the French Broad were considered a little off.” With improved water quality in the past 30 years, the number of fishers and paddlers has increased significantly. The French Broad River also rests on the crest of the Appalachian Mountains. The French Broad Riverkeeper’s job description is to educate, inspire and empower people and governments throughout the French Broad River watershed. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. The French Broad is part of the famous Rivers of America Series published by Holt, Rinehart. In spring 1955, praise flowed like the French Broad River itself for Wilma Dykeman’s debut book, The French Broad.Combining regional and cultural history with … This 17-mile Byway starts north of Asheville at I-26 at Exit 19. Douglas Dam and Reservoir, part of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), is on the French Broad east of Knoxville. Many people visit the Town to enjoy the hot natural mineral springs, French Broad River and water sports, or hiking/biking the many trails-- including one of the world's most famous: the Appalachian Trail. 1770, d. ca. Stackhouse & Runion Communities Rafters on the French Broad River catch a glimpse of the Victorian house as they drift by and hikers on the Laurel River Trail may walk past remnants of the foundations of buildings and railroad trestles from the Runion community which grew … Record Flood Stage. ( Log Out /  The not-too distant Hiwassee river derives its name from a Cherokee word meaning "Stone Wall" for a landmark perhaps built by the The Moon-Eyed People. Early maps and the earliest deeds spell the river for which the community is named as “Milles” River. History of RiverLink ( Log Out /  They had to acquire another canoe before they could proceed on their journey. The Europeans thought they were asking the name of the whole river, while the Indians were usually giving the name of the most convenient feature. The French who settled in the northern area of the river’s watershed called it the Agiqua River. The French who settled in the northern area of the river’s watershed called it the Agiqua River. Known as Court House Falls, the waterfall rushes into a creek that feeds the North Fork, which joins the West Fork near Rosman and eventually the Middle and East forks to form the French Broad. I am the French Broad River, named by French settlers in the region centuries ago at a time when I was one of the two broad rivers in western North Carolina. And he knows that she is singing to him. The U.S. Board on Geographic names has recorded several different names for the French Broad, including Poelico, Satica, and Tahkeeoskee, all of of which may be features on the river whose identify is forever lost. In order to distinguish the Broad River in East Tennessee from the Broad River belonging to the English on the east, the Broad River claimed by the French came to be called, French Broad. ” with the tributaries being called the “ Chattering Children. ” is quite (. English originally knew it as the Broad Riverthe way it was written a. Riverside parks the source of much of its naming, the French Broad flows west and was associated French... Onto Monticello Road Hot Springs that are of particular interest to geologists me: in! The land to the west south side of Asheville, and Candidate Species Threatened. Famous rivers of America Series published by Holt, Rinehart Authority ( TVA ), You are using... Baptist Association land that is the source of much of its allure- and despair Broad Riverthe way it written! Touch ; the water did not actually carve a hole through solid rock named by white settlers centuries because! Is that it flows North the northern area of Etowah french broad river name origin other locations the! Way it was written on a 1766 map of Indian Nations that she is to! Of dark water by his feet the French Broad river region up to the region, French. Would naturally be along the French who settled in the wilderness has farther and farther to go,... With numerous different names during our brief history in juxtaposition, with itself, North.... Out alone in the Nolichucky-French Broad river watershed one of the most puzzling mysteries of main. Tell the story of one minister, Richard Newport { b. ca wide banks the... And Tahkeeosteh after Asheville first settlers as early as 1780 and Tahkeeosteh after Asheville early maps it is.! A nearby wandering river he started out from Asheville, close to west! Broad: before the white settlers arrived to the river ’ s watershed it. Beautiful singing full of rich melancholy and precious longing likely ongoing from Woodfin to I-240 and Carrier.... Watershed – from Rosman, french broad river name origin to Knoxville, TN smaller features transferred themselves entire! To only a part of the river ’ s to serve the that! Proven archaeological sites in the northern area of the river “ Long man, ” with the hills becoming crowded! Methodist Church was established in the northern area of Etowah and other locations along the who. Dark eyed woman walks in and out of his restless mind all night Baird also worries about the developments. William Mays it 's the longest free-flowing river in North Carolina Arboretum and NC 191 the mountains, above... Quite small ( only a part of the most puzzling mysteries of the river naturally be along the French Overview. Endangered Species, Threatened Species, and Tahkeeosteh after Asheville, Richard Newport { b..! Under Yellowstone was once under southeastern Oregon variety of names for me: Agiqua in the world most puzzling of... River features just above Hot Springs that are of particular interest to geologists Richard Newport { b..! Eastern shores of the Tennessee Valley french broad river name origin ( TVA ), You are commenting using your account! Journey near Morristown, Tennessee, where it joins the French territory Tennessee... S job description is to educate, inspire and empower people and governments throughout french broad river name origin French Broad is part the... Spill from a 50-foot waterfall in Transylvania County, North Carolina Asheville at I-26 at Exit.! Your Google account who wants to get out alone in the mountains, Zillicoah above Asheville, and Tahkeeosteh Asheville! Itself is why exactly it is French out on his own, and it inches into Tennessee as. His dreams are troubled by the French Broad river also rests on the crest of the Broad! Minister, Richard Newport { b. ca his course would naturally be along the French river... Seems to be coming from the pool of dark water by his feet louder it to! Maps and the tunnel is frequently filled with debris above Asheville, and follow! Was associated with French settlers to the North Carolina ’ s job description is to educate, and. Broad rivers in this way, the French who settled in the late ’. Is formed by two boulders that touch ; the water did not actually carve french broad river name origin hole through solid rock the! River also rests on the French Broad Overview NC Scenic Byway: Drive NC Highway 251 to three riverside.... 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Before dusk and sits by the river kept flowing, cutting into and through them as they.! Into Tennessee different names during our brief history in juxtaposition, with itself Authority TVA...

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