Holiday REB

Long before the time of European encounter, this area was part of a large territory occupied by the Cherokee Nation, which extended into the South to present-day western North Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. The first Europeans to reach the area now occupied by Cleveland and Bradley County were most likely an expedition led by Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto, who are believed to have camped along Candies Creek in the western part of present day Cleveland on the night of June 2, 1540. Some, however, have suggested that the de Soto expedition was preceded by a party of Welshmen. During and after the American Revolutionary War, European Americans came into increasing conflict with the Cherokee by migrating west of the Appalachian Mountains and encroaching on Cherokee territory. The Cherokee had tolerated traders but resisted settlers who tried to take over their territory.