The South Carolina Archives possess several treaties made between South Carolina and the Lower Towns of the Cherokee Nation as far back as the mid 1600's. Our history tells of our people living in the Piedmont region; this area has always been our home. The entire area is a rich reminder of our people, past and present. The Nation was divided into into three areas; the Overhills, the Middle, and the Lower settlements. The Cherokees occupied an area from the Seneca River in South Carolina, north into Tennessee, and west into Georgia. Some sixty-four towns and villages have been identified.  The Lower Towns were located in present -day South Carolina west of Greenville along the streams and rivers of what is now Oconee and Pickens counties, and south of Greenville into Laurens County.

One of the main towns was located near the confluence of Brasstown Creek and the Tugaloo River; it was called Nayuhi or The Place of the Sand Bar. A network of paths crisscrosses the region around Greenville. One path ran from Whitehorse Road west of the city of Greenville, and Buncombe Road to the north. Two, perhaps three major paths crossed Greenville County.  The upper path ran across Greenville County originating at Keowee Indian Town in the present-day Oconee County. For some this was a direct route from the mountains to the coast. This was of major importance because of the enormous trade with the coastal tribes. This path followed the approximate route of SC Route 11 east of Pleasant Ridge State Park.