Welcome to a series of oil paintings and architectural ink designs on the history of Lake Junaluska

Richland Creek c.1912 prior to the dam at Lake Junaluska

Once inhabited by the Cherokee people this area was a part of the ancestral Cherokee territory in Western North Carolina. Richland Creek was in a valley made up of rich soil for growing crops and a vital water source for daily life in their settlements. During the "Trail of Tears" in the 1830s, the Cherokee were forcibly removed from their land, including the areas around Richland Creek, and relocated to Indian Territory west of the Mississippi River. Notably, "Mount Junaluska" (now North Eagle's Nest Mountain) near Lake Junaluska is named after a Cherokee leader, further signifying the Cherokee connection to the region. Lake Junaluska was formed by the damming of Richland Creek which originates in western Haywood County and flows into the Pigeon River. The lake depth at the dam is approximately 35-40 feet.

"On the way to Sunday meeting" at Lake Junaluska

Ward homestead on Richland Creek prior to building the dam in 1913

Early boating / camping at Lake Junaluska c. 1918

Richland Creek, Cherokee land
- Looking westward, Ward family homestead prior building the dam in 1913 — Richland Creek, Cherokee land - Looking westward, Ward family homestead prior building the dam in 1913

Junaluska Inn 1917-1918
over-looking Lake Junaluska, 120 rooms
- succumbed by fire — Junaluska Inn 1917-1918 over-looking Lake Junaluska, 120 rooms - succumbed by fire

Early scene at Lake Junaluska
- Stuart Auditorium — Early scene at Lake Junaluska - Stuart Auditorium

Eagle's Nest Hotel on Junaluska Mountain
c. 1900-1918, altitude 5050 — Eagle's Nest Hotel on Junaluska Mountain c. 1900-1918, altitude 5050

The Terrace Hotel 1920-1973 - Oonagusta Cherokee boat for tours on Lake Junaluska

Junaluska Inn 1917-1918 overlooking Lake Junaluska, succumbed by fire

"Raising the timbers" Stuart Center c. 1913