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Statue of Junaluska.

Statue of Junaluska, Savior of Andrew Jackson

Field review by the editors.

Lake Junaluska, North Carolina

This odd-looking monument depicts Chief Junaluska of the Cherokee, wearing a bear claw necklace and a headband, as if his lower body has been replaced by a pile of rocks.

The statue's plaque mentions that Junaluska saved Andrew Jackson's life during a battle in 1812, an act that Junaluska later regretted when President Jackson evicted him (and the rest of the Cherokee) from their homes and made them walk to Oklahoma. Junaluska got some satisfaction in outliving Jackson by over a dozen years and returning to North Carolina.

"He was awarded full rights of citizenship and a grant of land," says the plaque.

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Statue of Junaluska, Savior of Andrew Jackson

Address:
Chapel Drive, Lake Junaluska, NC
Directions:
The statue stands on the north shore of Lake Junaluska, in front of the George R. Stuart Auditorium. It's on the south side of Chapel Drive just east of where it splits from N. Lakeshore Drive, across the street from the Terrace Hotel.
Admission:
Free
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Nearby Offbeat Places

World Methodist MuseumWorld Methodist Museum, Lake Junaluska, NC - < 1 mi.
Metal String And Banjo PlayersMetal String And Banjo Players, Waynesville, NC - 3 mi.
Big Red RockerBig Red Rocker, Maggie Valley, NC - 4 mi.
In the region:
Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, Greeneville, TN - 44 mi.

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