Junaluska was a peace-loving chief in western North Carolina. When Lake Junaluska was established, it was named for Junaluska Mountain, the mountain keeping vigil over the lake, in honor of the chief. A member of the famous Cherokee regiment, Chief Junaluska served with distinction in the War of 1812 and at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend, was credited with saving General Andrew Jackson's life, and was recognized for his military service. He was removed to Oklahoma in 1836 but returned to N.C. He was awarded full rights of citizenship and a grant of land near Robbinsville, where he is buried.