Tanasi was a historic Overhill settlement site in present-day Monroe County, Tennessee, in the southeastern United States. The village became the namesake for the state of Tennessee. It was abandoned by the Cherokee in the 19th century for a rising town whose chief was more powerful. Tanasi served as the de facto capital of the Overhill Cherokee from as early as 1721 until 1730, when the capital shifted to Great Tellico.
Monument overlooking the Tanasi site
The Tanasi site, looking northwest from the Tanasi monument
Tennessee Historical Commission marker along Citico Road
Tanasi monument, up close
Historic Cherokee settlements
The historic Cherokee settlements were Cherokee settlements established in Southeastern North America up to the removals of the early 19th century. Several settlements had existed prior to and were initially contacted by explorers and colonists of the colonial powers as they made inroads into frontier areas. Others were established later.
Overhill towns of the Cherokee
A Draught of the Cherokee Country, Henry Timberlake (1762) Overhill Towns
Post-Revolution Cherokee towns