Hiwassee River Heritage Center, Charleston

About Hiwassee River Heritage Center

The Hiwassee River Heritage Center in Charleston interprets the nationally significant history of the Hiwassee River region through displays and interpretive panels. Visitors explore stories of early settlers, the Cherokee and their forced removal on the Trail of Tears, and the Civil War. The center marks the site of the former federal Indian Agency and Fort Cass, which served as the U.S. military headquarters for the entire Cherokee Trail of Tears removal. The Hiwassee River itself was a pivotal crossing for troop movements during the Civil War, with officers from both sides conducting operations in Charleston. The Heritage Center functions as a welcome center and gateway to other regional historic sites. Visitors can also record family documents and photographs into a searchable database. The National Park Service designated the center as a certified site on the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail.