Much is known about how this area appeared, the cultures that thrived here, the foliage and agriculture, and even some species that no longer exist – due primarily to one man, William Bartram. This year marks the 250th anniversary of the journey of this artist, botanist, and explorer through northeast Georgia and Western North Carolina that occurred in May and June of 1775.
Celebrations are planned throughout the county for the first week in June.
In his book, “Bartram’s Travels,” which was a bestseller in the 18th century and has been reprinted multiple times – even referenced in Franklin native author Charles Frazier’s book “Cold Mountain” – Bartram describes in detail places like Cowee, Iotla, and the Nantahala Mountains and River. His prose, in fact, takes readers back to the time period, along with his sketches of some of the plants and animals in which he comes in contact.
Part III-Chapter III is one area that focuses on what is now Macon County: “The vale is closed at Cowe [sic] by a ridge of mighty hills, called the Jore mountains [eventually referred to as Nantahala Mountains], said to be the highest land in the Cherokee country, which crosses the Tanase [Tennessee River] here.”
Blue Ridge Bartram Trail Conservancy’s website provides ample background about Bartram’s fascinating life. “William Bartram was born in 1739 to Quakers John and Ann Bartram of Philadelphia, the fifth of nine children. His father, John Bartram (1699-1777), so it is told, was plowing his fields one day when his attention was captured by the remarkable beauty of a common daisy. The elder Bartram was inspired to study all plants, eventually gaining the appointment of Royal Botanist by King George III in 1763. John’s own dedication greatly encouraged William’s growing interest in the natural world.”
The Bartram Trail Conservancy’s events for the public include everything from “botany bashes, birding blasts, biomonitoring bonanzas, salamander soirees, river runs, and the like hosted by beloved community naturalists,” according to director Brent Martin. “And, each day will end with spending time at Lazy Hiker Brewing Co. in Franklin.”
Celebrating the life and legacy
Lazy Hiker’s Brewmaster Graham Norris noted that a special brew is being developed for the Bartram celebration.
On the last day of Bartram 250, panel discussions relating to the intersection of science and art will be led by regional artists and authors. Throughout the month of June, Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center (where the Conservancy is headquartered) will be hosting an exhibit based on Bartram’s quote called “Attention of a Traveller.” Some of the exhibited works can be purchased, and an assortment of Bartram and nature-related merchandise and books, including the classic “Bartram’s Travels,” will be available for purchase.
Some events require registration. See https://blueridgebartram.org/bartram250/.
Bartram 250 Celebration Schedule
JUNE 1
2–4 p.m. “Attention of a Traveller” Art Exhibit Opening with guest speaker, photographer Rob Amberg
JUNE 4
6:30–8:30 p.m. Bartram 250 Beer Release & Bartram Trivia, Lazy Hiker
JUNE 5
8–11 a.m. Birding the Little Tennessee RiverGreenway
8 a.m.–12 p.m. Stream Biomonitoring on Tellico Creek
9 a.m.–3 p.m. Chattooga to Foothills Trail
9 a.m.–2 p.m. Warwoman Dell to Courthouse Gap
1–4 p.m. Wayah Bald Botany
4–8 p.m. Bartram Base Camp Happy Hour, Lazy Hiker
7–9 p.m. Mander Meander Wallace Branch
JUNE 6
7:30–11 a.m. Birding Alarka Laurel
9 a.m.–12 p.m. Interpreting Local Wildlife through Tracking and Signs
9 a.m.–2 p.m. Standing Indian: Park Ridge & Park Creek Trail
10 a.m.–2 p.m. Jones Gap to Whiterock Mountain on the Bartram Trail
10 a.m.–2 p.m. Scaly Mountain Botany
1 p.m.–4 p.m. Magnolia, Franklinia, & Stewartia Garden Tour
1–5 p.m. Little Tennessee River Trip with Alarka Expeditions
4–8 p.m. Bartram Base Camp Happy Hour: Grizzly Mammoth & Wooly Booger, Live Music at Lazy Hiker
JUNE 7
9 a.m.–12 p.m. Watercolor Botanical Studies with Carol Conti, Cowee School
9 a.m.–12 p.m. Tellico Valley – Ramsey Trail
10–11:30 a.m. Nature as Kin: Deepening our Relationship with the Natural World, Queen Branch Walk and Talk
12–1 p.m. Bartram 250 Catered Luncheon, $10 (or bring own lunch), Cowee School
1 p.m. Art & Nature Symposium – Artist Panel – Nature & Art in the 21st Century, Cowee School
2:30 p.m. Art & Nature Symposium – Literary Panel – Nature Writing in the 21st Century, Cowee School
3:30 p.m. “Paradise” documentary by Garrett Martin, Cowee School
5:30–8 p.m. Bartram Base Camp Happy Hour, Lazy Hiker
Pictured top: Historian Lamar Marshall created this map using art by William Bartram to show his journey in May and June of 1775 from northeast Georgia to past Nantahala Lake in North Carolina.