This site was one of the forts or stations used by the United States Government in Cherokee country in 1838 to round up Cherokee Indians for removal to western reservations. General Winfield Scott, commander of the troops used to assemble and protect the Indians during that period, had his headquarters here at one time. It is believed that Federal troops also used this station as early as 1830 to guard the gold mines from intruders, Indians or Whites, until the question of ownership of the territory was established.