Knowing that the Cherokee believed evil spirits lived in waterfalls, she pretended to leap to her death. [2] In 1982 it was listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Allan, one of the Captains sons, fell in love with a beautiful Choctaw slave named Cateechee. This booklet is packed with fun activities, puzzles, and educational information. But as Allen hid at the base of the falls, Issaqueena was spotted by pursuing braves. There she hid from her tribe in the recessed area below where hikers are still able to enter today. Much of the City of Walhalla's property and all of Stumphouse Mountain Heritage Preserve are under conservation easements or trusts. They all lived happily ever after. Issaqueena Falls, Sumter National Forest, Oconee County Source: Robert D. Howell / shutterstock Issaqueena Falls. She and the baby emerged from a ledge behind the falls and made their getaway with Allan back to the town of Cambridge (now known as Ninety Six). LENGTH 0.2 MILES. When you turn left at the signs for Picnic Shelter and Issaqueena Falls, youll find these amenities. It is administered by the USDA Forest Service. It's the perfect companion piece to a school field trip or a family walk in the park. The town and area was then known as Cambridge. Fearing her betrayal would be discovered, the maiden stayed in the settlement and the two married. Some areas can only be accessed by boat, making rescues even more arduous.Scott Krein, with Oconee County Emergency Services, said, Sometimes it takes us hours to get to people that have been in our back country. The signs giving the area's history history about the falls and the native peoples were super informative. Have you heard this legendary tale of Issaqueena Falls? Copyright 2023 Visit Oconee SC. Book Inn @ Clemson, Clemson on Tripadvisor: See 201 traveller reviews, 77 candid photos, and great deals for Inn @ Clemson, ranked #8 of 12 hotels in Clemson and rated 4 of 5 at Tripadvisor. However, none of them has the same eerie legend behind it as the 100-foot Issaqueena Falls found just north of Walhalla in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This version of the tale is considered to be a combination of previously published stories and legends combining Issaqueena and Cateechee. Issaqueena Falls is a 100 foot waterfall located inside Stumphouse Tunnel Park (note that there is a $5 parking fee at the park) about 7 miles west of Walhalla. Oconee County Emergency Services officials said the woman fell about 20 feet at the fall's trailhead around 5. All rights reserved. Pass through the gate and follow the road to the parking lot and picnic area on the right. After the art museum moved to a purpose-built gallery on Greenville's Heritage Green in 1974, the mansion sat vacant until purchased in 1977 for use as a church and school. 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A great resource that gives historical facts behind the legends is, Cherokee Myths and Legends: Thirty Tales Retold, You can view many photos and links to information about Issaqueena, Issaqueena Falls, the Stumphouse Tunnel, Ninety Six, and other tidbits from today on our Pinterest board located at, https://www.pinterest.com/TalesfromtheHearth/Issaqueena, The Stumphouse Tunnel is located off of Stumphouse Tunnel Road near Walhalla and Mountain Rest, South Carolina. Have 45 Sec? It is 25 feet high, 17 feet wide, and stretches 1,617 feet long into the face of Stumphouse Mountain, and is the result of many failed attempts to make a railway tunnel through the mountain. . The most popular version of the legend comes from JW Daniels epic poem Cateechee of Keowee written in 1898. Does a fifth of a mile count as a hike? This easy hike will take you to the top of the falls, but a short . Not only are many trails, churches, neighborhoods, and natural landmarks named either "Issaqueena" or "Cateechee.". This is a great picnic spot with several nearby attractions. 721 Smith Rd. Captain Francis sent a message to local leaders that a Cherokee woman had warned them in advance of the attack. The trail to Issaqueena Falls is wide, nicely maintained, and very short. Located in Stumphouse Park. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Issaqueena Falls from base As the tale goes, the Creek Indian maiden fell in love with a white trader (Allan Francis) who lived quite some distance away. Issaqueena Falls in South Carolina. 97.5 WCOS - is #1 for Country and known as South Carolina's Country Station and home to Jonathon Rush in the Morning. View an interactive Falls Park map that includes locations of historical markers.. Family Activity Guide. Nearby is a picnic area and the Stumphouse Tunnel. Not that we know of. Top of waterfall at Issaqueena Falls 3rd Eye Productions 217 subscribers Subscribe 0 No views 7 minutes ago Show more Show more Ninety Six Historic Site 3rd Eye Productions 892 views 9 days ago. You can walk to the end of the tunnel, but be aware there may be water and you will need a flashlight to find your way. [3], As the National Register nomination notes, the three-story house is "an unusual example of eclecticism", blending neo-Gothic and neoclassical elements that include six Doric columns, a Palladian window, a castellated tower, two rooftop patios, and a massive porte-cochre. Issaqueena Falls during autumn season in Walhalla, South Carolina, USA. [6] Most of the estate was sold for house lots, and the mansion was converted into rental apartments. by Abbeville, South Carolina, minister Dr. James Walter Daniel, published in 1898. She was a slave to the Cherokee Chief Kuruga, and there was nothing to be done but to conduct their romance in secret. Six Mile Creek, Twelve Mile Creek and others are still known by these names today as well as the town of Ninety-Six. The settlers were able to prepare and ward off the attack due to Cateechees bravery, and she and her lover, Allan Francis, were able to marry. We dont always have roads to get there. towards Ninety Six. Todds Creek. 18 miles). The stream leading to the falls was shallow and was suitable for soaking you feet. Addis said Sprouse was found unresponsive by another family member with an apparent head injury. Two legends surround this mysterious falls; both involve a Native American named Issaqueena who was chased to this spot. She pretended to leap to hear death, hiding on the ledge below the top of the waterfall until they left and rejoined her family. They urged anyone enjoying trails or spending time near water to use caution, especially as the Fourth of July holiday approaches. Box 1099, Walhalla, SC 29691| (864) 638-4346| Email. Beginning from the parking area for the Stumphouse Tunnel, this 15-minute hike to Issaqueena Falls is an easy excursion for even the beginning hiker, and its rich in lore and history. It's an easy 5-minute walk to viewing platforms where you can view the beautiful waterfall named for a Creek maiden who hid on one of the falls' ledges to avoid capture during an Indian attack. Guided Hike to 3 Amazing Waterfalls - 2.5 Hour Hiking Tour 67 Recommended Adventure Tours from $89.00 per adult Greenville City Segway Tour 145 Recommended Segway Tours from $69.00 per adult Small-Group Walking Tour in Greenville with Breakfast 27 Recommended Walking Tours from $72.00 per adult The landmarks of Mile Creek, Six Mile town (and mountain), Twelve Mile River, Eighteen Mile Creek, Three and Twenty Creek, Six and Twenty Creek, and Ninety Six were supposedly named for their proximity from the area of a trading post (perhaps the same post as the Cherokee settlement of Keowee that was located near present-day Clemson University) and later location of Fort Prince George. The falls are named for a Creek maiden who hid on one of the falls ledges to avoid capture during an Indian attack. For the purposes and clarity of this telling, we will use Cateechee primarily as her name, as it is commonly used in the references themselves. So although its still unclear how the numbering landmarks were named exactly, it seems unlikely that Issaqueena (or Cateechee) originated the naming during her legendary ride. Park and walk across the footbridge on the west side of the parking lot. The natural setting is likely similar to what maiden Issqueena experienced centuries ago. Youll have to climb over huge rocks and walk over exposed tree roots. Oconee County is located in the northwestern corner of Upstate SC and borders the mountains of NC and Northeast GA. Daniels that was published in 1898. Most versions of the legend say that Issaqueena, who is occasionally called Cateechee, fell in love with a white settler, but learned that her tribe was planning a surprise attack on a white encampment. Your email address will not be published. Sometimes it takes a boat. Within 5 minutes you will have nice views of the falls via lookout platforms situated along the trail. You can read more about this on a sign near the trail (photo below). Park admission is $5.00 and can be paid via a drop box near the park entrance. Child has possible leg fracture, fire department said. This trail gives a fine view of the falls and its boulder-strewn creek course through the deeply incised valley below. The tribesmen, believing her to be dead, call off their chase and Issaqueena, who had landed on a ledge, was able to return safely to her family. Assuming she had died, her tribe gave up the hunt and Issaqueena lived out the rest of her days. Issaqueena Falls, South Carolina. Today, Issaqueena Falls is found at the end of a very short 0.3-mile hike. The best and most agreed-upon version of the tale has her leading them to Issaqueena Falls, where she cleverly made them believe she jumped to her death. Many families, day trippers, and novice hikers make their way to view the Stumphouse Tunnel and beautiful Issaqueena Falls located on Cane Creek near Walhalla, South Carolina, close to where Georgia, North, and South Carolina all meet. Duke University Libraries. [7] The building once again became a private residence in the 1990s, and it has since been maintained through rentals as a wedding venue. She was a young Choctaw woman captured in war and adopted my the Cherokee Chief Karuga. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Her dramatic escape began the legend of Issaqueena Falls. Issaqueena Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in Stumphouse Tunnel Park. However, the PATH IS QUITE DANGEROUS and visitors are not encouraged to try it. Yet another version had, on the site of present-day Stumphouse Mountain, and thus originating the name Stumphouse Mountain.. The settlers were able to prepare and ward off the attack due to Cateechees bravery, and she and her lover, Allan Francis, were able to marry. The trail to reach the top of these falls involves only a simple 15-minute stroll. The hike departs southbound from the parking area and quickly crosses a small wooden covered bridge over Cane Creek. Fire officials did not have an update on the child's condition Saturday night. Legend has it that the Indian maiden, Issaqueena, rode to the nearby fort to warn of a pending Indian attack and then escaped pursuing Indians by pretending to leap over the falls, but actually hiding beneath them. The first 911 call was made at 1:19 pm., Addis said, about 30 to 45 minutes after Sprouse fell. So it appears that the legend may have just been a great story based upon the fact that a Cherokee woman had warned the residents of the Ninety Six fort of an impending attack. As she rode, she named the creeks she crossed along the way by how far along the journey they where. Archives & Manuscripts Collection Guides Search within 15 first responders work to rescue child who fell near Upstate waterfall, RESPONDERS RESCUED A CHILD WHO FELL NEAR ISSAQUENA FALLS. Browse 17 issaqueena falls stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. ), and can then picnic or hike down an easy 0.3 mile trail to view the gorgeous Issaqueena Falls. See all photos from Jamarcus T. for Issaqueena Falls Richard R. Elite 2022 Suwanee, GA 5000 1503 24670 2/3/2019 10 photos Beautiful waterfall and super short hike! Other versions of the story introduced Issaqueenas lover as a silversmith named David Francis, who took shelter with Issaqueena in a hollow tree near the present-day Stumphouse Mountain to escape the Cherokee after her betrayal. After leaping off of the falls, Issaqueena and David relocated together to Alabama. In this version of the story, they lived happily ever after in either Ninety-Six or fled beyond Karugas grip to Alabama, the home of the Choctaw people. Nice picnic tables and pavilion, City of Walhalla| P.O. Open full screen to view more. Views of Isaqueena Falls near Mountain Rest, South Carolina. She and the baby emerged from a ledge behind the falls and made their getaway with Allan back to the town of Cambridge (now known as Ninety Six). She hid on the ledge below the top of the waterfall where she remained until it was safe to rejoin her family. In Reverend Daniels popular story, the real Captain James Francis is incorporated into the story by having his son, Allan, fall in love with the woman who saved the fort. https://visitoconeesc.com/stumphouse-park/, Fall Foliage and Leaf Peeping in the Carolinas, Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Issaqueena Falls is an attraction in the same park as Stumphouse Tunnel. The primary resource for many of the legends is the long poem. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. Knowing that the Cherokee believed evil spirits lived in the waterfalls, she pretended to leap to her death. On Saturday, a woman was critically injured after slipping at Issaqueena Falls. Thats why it is no stretch to lump this 100-foot cascade among the most popular in Oconee County, and among the most beautiful. The town and area was then known as Cambridge. Duke University Libraries. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. The waterfall is named after the Creek maiden named Issaqueena who is said to have used the fall's ledges to hide or get out of sight from the Cherokee warriors. for links to all of the resources for todays episode. However, it also highlights the way that upstate folklore tends to present an idealized view of the white settlers who entered the area. Travel Tips In Reverend Daniels popular story, the real Captain James Francis. Walter Gassaway died of a heart attack on June 4, 1930. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. It is possible to walk down to the bottom of the waterfall. Like us on Facebook for more pictures and updates. . They are named after the Native American woman who jumped off of them. So although its still unclear how the numbering landmarks were named exactly, it seems unlikely that Issaqueena (or Cateechee) originated the naming during her legendary ride. Oconee County Emergency Services officials said they respond to at least one call a week in the park areas during the summer, and most are difficult to reach. Addis said the terrain where Sprouse fell is very rocky. GPS coordinates to the parking area: N 34.80740 W 083.12158. The falls are named after the legend of Issaqueena, a Native American woman who pretended to go over the falls to escape persecution after she warned a nearby fort of an impending attack from her tribe. You can view many photos and links to information about Issaqueena, Issaqueena Falls, the Stumphouse Tunnel, Ninety Six, and other tidbits from today on our Pinterest board located at https://www.pinterest.com/TalesfromtheHearth/Issaqueena. From Walhalla drive west on SC 28 for 6.9 miles and turn right into Stumphouse Tunnel Park. You can get to amenities from either parking area, but the parking lot on the right is closer to Issaqueena Falls and the trailhead for the Blue Ridge Railroad Trail. The falls are named after the legend of Issaqueena, a Native American woman who pretended to go over the falls to escape persecution after she warned a nearby fort of an impending attack from her tribe. Fort Prince George wasnt built until 1753, however, was abandoned by 1768, and was lost for good when the entire area was flooded to build Duke Energys Oconee Nuclear Station in 1968. After the final failed attempt, a professor in the dairy department at nearby Clemson University (known as Clemson A&M College at the time) proposed using the tunnel to cure blue cheese, due to its stable and ideal temperature and humidity properties. Whenever Ive visited Issaqueena falls, Ive seen one or two poisonous copperheads lurking at the bottom. Oconee County is located in the northwestern corner of Upstate SC and borders the mountains of NC and Northeast GA. In a hail of arrows, she jumped from the top of the falls, but miraculously didnt plunge to her death. 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