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Reporter Lilly Knoepp talks with Nikwasi Initiative Director Elaine Eisenbraun about the next stage of plans for the areas around the Nikwasi Mound in Franklin. The Initiative secured the deed to the mound in 2019. Now Eisenbraun says the agriculture of the early Cherokee will be celebrated at the site.
The nonprofit that took control of the sacred Nikwasi Mound in Franklin two years ago is releasing more details about its plans for the site.
The Nikwasi Initiative is made up of representatives from Macon County, the town of Franklin, Eastern Band of Cherokee(EBCI) and Mainspring Conservation Trust.
Elaine Eisenbraun is its new director. She recently updated the Macon County Commissioners and the Franklin Town Council that the initiative wants to focus on the agricultural history of the site.
Nikwasi Initiative changes plans for Franklin property A drawing shows Nikwasi Initiative’s preliminary plans for the mound and surrounding property.
Nikwasi Initiative, the nonprofit that took over ownership of the Nikwasi Mound in Franklin two years ago, recently announced some new projects planned for the adjacent properties.
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians purchased the former Dan’s Auto property next to the mound with preliminary plans to create an annex of the Museum of Cherokee Indians to provide educational opportunities about Cherokee culture and history.
However, Nikwasi Initiative Executive Director Elaine Eisenbraun presented Macon County commissioners with an updated plan on Feb. 9 that includes a Cherokee-themed restaurant, farm stand, garden, educational center and more.