Hiwassee Island and the confluence of the Tennessee and Hiwassee rivers were inhabited by groups of Native Americans for over 10,000 years until the early 1800’s. Between the 11th and 15th centuries A.D., prehistoric Native American farmers lived in a large town on the island. The Cherokee resided here from the late 1700’s until 1818, when John Jolly’s small band was removed to Oklahoma during the Trail of Tears. Blythe Ferry and Hiwassee Island served as staging areas where groups of Cherokee were gathered to begin the long journey west. The area was once rich in game, including several species of birds. Bones of Sandhill Cranes and many other kinds of waterfowl, as well as land species including Wild Turkey, Passenger Pigeon, and Northern Bobwhite, have been excavated from prehistoric Native American sites in southeastern Tennessee. Prehistoric native peoples used bird meat for food, bones for tools and whistles, and wings and feathers for fans and ornaments.