Cullowhee (/ˈkʌləhwiː/[4]) is a census-designated place (CDP) in Jackson County, North Carolina, United States.

The present community developed at the site of a historic Cherokee town, which was centered around the earthwork Cullowhee Mound.

"[7] Judacullah, a giant warrior and hunter who the Cherokee believe lived in the area, is an important figure in their religion and culture.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Cullowhee CDP has a total area of 3.5 square miles (9.1 km2), all land.

[citation needed] Developed along a mountain river valley and by a creek, Cullowhee was known as a historic Cherokee village centered around an earthwork platform mound estimated to have been built by 1000 CE by people of the South Appalachian Mississippian culture.

Archeological evidence from excavations at Cullowhee Mound suggests that this area had been occupied since 3000 BCE by cultures of indigenous peoples.

Later its offerings were expanded into a four-year college curriculum, and ultimately graduate departments supporting today's Western Carolina University.

In 1940, a massive flood caused severe damage to the business district, destroying almost all the buildings on the north side of the river.

Since then, dams have been built for flood control on the East and West forks of the Tuckasegee River.

[12][13] A Walton Family Foundation report ranked the Cullowhee micropolitan area (Jackson County) as number 13 in the United States.

Reasons included the area's status as a tourist destination and " superior job growth, wage increases and young businesses.

[17][circular reference] It was founded in 1889 with a few hundred students in a small, one-story wood building.

In the 21st century, it has more than 12,000 students, offering approximately 220 majors and concentrations for undergraduates, and more than 45 graduate-level programs of study.

WCU faculty have also worked with EBCI representatives on surveys of historic town and earthwork mound sites, to create a database of known resources; archeological and anthropological studies conducted with outreach to the Cherokee people to gain their perspective from tribal oral histories, and other programs.

The university plan proposes development around Old Cullowhee Road to create a traditional downtown, with mixed-use buildings, a city hall, homes, walkable neighborhoods, supermarket, and trails/parks along the river and throughout the area.

A "town center" to be constructed on some 35 acres (14 ha) owned by WCU is an area targeted for annexation and development.

The "town center" is proposed to accommodate as much as 270,000 square feet (25,000 m2) of commercial, housing and multi-tenant office space, with parking for 871 vehicles.

[citation needed] An alternative vision for redevelopment is offered by the Cullowhee Revitalization Endeavor (CuRvE), made up of local businessmen and activists who also want to rejuvenate the once-thriving commerce center.

CuRvE wants to make Cullowhee "a unique and highly attractive area—a mix of residences and businesses along rivers and streams".

According to CuRvE, its vision has more community support than that the Western Carolina University "town center", because it would allow small businesses.