“How de do?”

This is one of the typical cordial exchanges between the indigenous peoples, “the stewards of the forest,” and the first Euro-frontier traders and long hunters 250 years ago. In Native American fashion, this greeting was returned in warm friendly shaking of hands and genuine smiles. To the Indian it meant “are you well?” This exchange carried an even more important element; it was a type of blessing and acknowledgment of “well-being” because of the goodness of the Creator. So consider my greeting as both hoping for your wellness and a blessing in the goodness of Creator towards you.

The word “Watauga” comes to us from the Cherokee language and means “the land beyond.” To the “people from across the big waters” this new land they called America looked like a Garden of Eden, a land of great promise. To the “peoples of the forest” it was home and happiness in tune with the Creator’s vision of peace and harmony with nature.

However, as time keeps a record of the past and brings the responsibility into the present, what looked promising for some became poison for others. As a very wise person told me recently, “we have so much shameful history to amend.” Is there a medicine that can heal the pain in all of our hearts? Creator thinks so, for all people are made in the “image and likeness” of our Creator. And Creator’s Spirit whispers to our hearts to have the courage “to seek peace and pursue it.” We recognize that there is a brokenness that still exists between our two people groups for many long years, and we humbly ask to “make our hearts good toward each other.”

We are the “Watauga Vision”

The Watauga Vision is made up of many volunteers including historians, writers, educators, interpreters of history, craft and tech savvy persons, and very encouraging friends. We have also connected with several chartered and nationally recognized historical groups and societies.

We imagine a model of giving dignity, honor, and respect through memorable acts of kindness to our Native American friends, and joint events which includes them and various Euro descendants.

In addition, our vision is to live and write American History from more than one vista. A good friend recently told me you cannot write American history from one viewpoint only. The story of the American frontier and the experience of this great land can’t be told without the story of the American Indian. Such an attempt would leave out one half of the story. In fact, it has been 250 years and yet we still struggle with not having a “shared history.” We desire and hope our First Nations people would invite us to sit and listen to their “Story,” the story that has been left out in many public schools and places that desire to hear them. Our hope is that both cultures may come together to begin to write a “Shared History” of America’s beginnings. This cannot be done properly without including their words concerning this exciting yet trying chapter in our American saga.

About Michael Adams, Founder of The Watauga Vision

Michael Adams is one of the many descendants of the Euro-settlers who lived in the Appalachians in the 1700s. His grandfather back five generations was a licensed trader who eventually crossed the mountains from Virginia. He and his family settled in what is now East Tennessee near Fort Watauga. He interacted with many tribes in his business of trading and later in his leadership roles.

Mike’s love of history, his heritage, and his participation in numerous living history events have drawn his interest to the relationship of the early settlers and their Indian neighbors. As our country still struggles with people groups having rifts among themselves, we remember from our history lessons that there were huge challenges in the early days of America also. Some of the difficulties created then have continued through the present.

A few years ago, after hearing another disturbing news report about the division in our country, Mike was so distressed that he called out to Creator for help. And at that moment he knew that Creator could use him; his gifts and his heritage to help heal some of the relationships with our Native American brothers. Mike imagines a model of giving dignity, honor, and respect through memorable acts of kindness to our Native American friends, and joint events which includes them and various Euro descendants.

Mike is a graduate of Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida, and received his M.A.T.S. and Th.M. degrees from Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia. He taught Biblical classes in college for many years and is now retired. He still operates a lawn care company part-time with the help of his son, Matt. Mike, Vicki, and Matt attend Redeemer Church in Snellville, where many Watauga Vision volunteers also attend. Mike enjoys hunting, black powder rifle competition, rifle building, knife making, reading and researching history, attending living history events, walking in the woods with his black lab, and spending time with our adopted grandkids and families.