The Legend of Nocatula
As new students on campus, it’s always a good idea to scope out the campus to get a “feel” where you are going. Although TWC is a small campus, it is possible to get lost. Also, while exploring the buildings and campus landmarks, you may be puzzled at the sight of the seemingly random Indian statues at the edge of the Nocatula Gardens. These statues are actually symbols of a legend that is a rich part of heritage and tradition on this campus. The Legend of Nocatula has been written as a short story, a rather lengthy story, and even a play. The following is a detailed version of the legend:
The Nocatula Legend
In 1780, following the Battle of King’s Mountain, a group of Cherokee warriors found a young wounded English soldier who had been left to die. The Indians, who were friendly with the British, took the soldier to their chief, who then had him carried to his own house to be nursed and cared for by his daughter, Nocatula Coowena. The soldier recovered quickly under Nocatula’s great care, and the soldier and the beautiful chief’s daughter fell in love. The old chief gave his blessing to the young couple and adopted the soldier into the tribe, naming him Connestoga, meaning “The Oak”. Late in the following autumn, Connestoga and a few companions went hunting far down into the valley, when Connestoga was ambushed by a jealous warrior who wanted Nocatula for himself. He stabbed Connestoga in the neck, and tried to flee as Connestoga fired at him. Nocatula rushed to her lover’s side and vowed she refused to live without him as she took the same dagger and plunged it into her heart. The chief, devastated and heartbroken, buried the two lovers together, placing an acorn in Connestoga’s hand and a hackberry seed in Nocatula’s hand. From their burial site grew the two trees, symbolizing their devotion and love. Tennessee Wesleyan College was later built on the site, but the trees were not disturbed and flourished until 1945 when the hackberry seed died. Not long after, the oak died as well.
Presently, the Nocatula Garden is home to newly planted hackberry and oak trees and of course, the beautiful bronze sculptures of the English soldier Connestoga and his beautiful Indian love, Nocatula.
Old College
Old College Hall, was built in the early 1850’s is located in the center of campus. This original building, which has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1983, served as a hospital during the Civil War. According to the Register, it has also been used as the Athens Museum in the past until the museum could find another location. It is now home to our college president’s office and the director of annual giving. Students do not frequent this building, and several graduate without ever entering its doors. There have been rumors in the past of Old College being haunted, but those have never been validated. Although mysterious and at night, maybe a bit spooky, Old College serves as great centerpiece for our campus with its nostalgic look and historical heritage.
