Fort Hembree

Tennessee militia established Fort Hembree 1 mile (1.6 km) southwest of the present town of Hayesville, North Carolina, in October 1837 to prepare for deporting local Cherokee Native Americans during the Trail of Tears.

A number of Cherokees were stricken with illness (thought to be measles) while at Fort Hembree and died at the site.

It was named in honor of Captain Joel Hembree, who served in the Tennessee Volunteer Militia under General Scott’s command.

[2] The fort contained multiple blockhouses and a T-shaped log building with a large dining hall and cellar.

[4] The first post office to open in what became Clay County began service at Fort Hembree on January 8, 1844.

The site is now owned by a private citizen and today the area remains known by Fort Hembree Road.