The Cherokee gave up their claims to Cataloochee when they signed the Treaty of Holston in 1791 . Nevertheless , they continued to hunt and fish in the valley throughout the 19th century . Hattie Caldwell Davis , a descendant of Cataloochee 's first Euro-American settlers , recalled that her ancestors spoke " fluent Cherokee , " and were always on friendly terms with the natives . Davis ' great-grandfather , Levi , is believed to have provided aide to Cherokees hiding in the forest during the Trail of Tears period
Trail of Tears
Trail of Tears
Cataloochee (Great Smoky Mountains)