Konehete Veterans Park

Sep 10, 2023, 10:30 PM

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Konehete Veterans Park is the center of Cherokee County’s recreational programs. The baseball and soccer fields are regularly used by the many youth leagues in the area. At the west end of the park is Murphy Health and Fitness. This modern facility includes a workout gym, aerobic studios, and a year-round swimming facility.

The River Walk trail in Konehete Park was the first section of the trail to be developed. This scenic section is popular with both runners and walkers.

A pedestrian bridge across from the Fitness Center spans the Valley River, connecting the park to the rest of the River Walk Trail. 

The word “Konehete” is a Cherokee word meaning “Long Valley Place,” referring to the long Valley River that flows from Andrews through Murphy. In fact, the town of Andrews sits on the site of the original Cherokee town of Coneheetoyn, which means “Long Valley Town.”

You may notice that the word "Konehete" is spelled differently in several places around town. Konehete Veterans Park is located on Connahetta Street, but the park’s name is spelled with a “K,” while the street’s name is spelled with a “C.” Which is correct?

The answer is that both spellings are correct. The English spelling was derived phonetically from the Cherokee word and was recorded in maps and official documents with various spellings, depending on who was writing it down at the time.