NCNatural
Bartram's Route From South Carolina to North Carolina in May, 1775,
(with contemporary landmarks)
Map Notes;
- Bartram's own descriptions indicate that he traveled for the most part on known roads that had been long established by the Cherokee and others before them. Many of the contemporary roads through the area, follow the same paths, because those were the easiest routes through the mountains. When you look at a topographic or relief map, it becomes apparent why roads are where they are.
- Some of his routes remain conjecture of course. For instance, the actual path that he took up Oconee Mtn. There could have been a road very near to present Highway 28 that he travelled up, or he might have gone up the ancient "Winding Stairs" road, which comes up from closer to Tamassee, and intersects Highway 107. Another confusing area is in North Carolina near Wayah Bald. There were apparantly two roads that went towards the Nantahala Mountains-one from Cowee near present Burningtown, and the other from near present Franklin, farther south. He may have gone up one way and come back the other. The present Bartram Trail is therefore not necessarily the exact route that he traveled.
- Many of the rivers that Bartram followed through South Carolina are today dammed for hydroelectric power. The vale of Keowee that he described as one of the most beautiful valley's in the world, is now underwater, as are Ft. Prince George and many sites of native villages.
- Locations of many native villages changed periodically, so it is difficult to establish exactly where they were when Bartram passed through.
- Bartram travelled essentially the same route going and coming back."
back to the Bartram page