FETTY'S CAVE - Revivals, Beer Parties, And Reunions

(01/15/2021)

Fetty's Cave has a huge overhang, affording protection for large groups of visitors By Bob Weaver Fetty's Cave is a well-known site in Gilmer County at the edge of the Bear Fork wilderness near Steer Creek. The cave has harbored native Americans, Civil War soldiers and early-comers who came to the backwoods to live in the 1800s and early 1900s. The cave could have been a stop-off for thieves who stole a payroll during the Civil War and hid the gold somewhere deep in the primitive woods, the loot never to be found. Its most notable fixture, first recorded in the early 1900s, was a carving of the head of an Native American, etched in stone on the cave wall. Well-known Calhoun musician Noah Cottrell, who lived in Bear Fork, told about seeing the "Indian Head" in the early 1900s. Several years ago, likely in the 1970s, the carving was removed from the cave wall, likely placed in a private collection. Over the years, the cave has been used for home- comings, reunions, revivals, camping and beer parties During the 20th century, the overhang cave was the site of picnics, reunions and revivals. An early photo showed a number of autos parked in the cave. In recent years, it has been an attraction for ATV riders and beer drinkers. Much of the wilderness is leased by the Bear Fork Hunting Club.

Hur Herald ®from Sunny Cal The information on these pages, to the extent the law allows, remains the exclusive property of Bob Weaver and Dianne Weaver The Hur Herald. All information may be freely used but must not be sold or used in any type of commercial endeavor, or used on any web site without the express permission of the owners ©Bob and Dianne Weaver, The Hur Herald, 1999, 2000, 2001