Log Cabin in Plum Orchard

The date of its log construction is uncertain. This valley is very remote even today. A British military trail ran near here over Cowart Gap. It was used by Captain Raymond Demere in 1756 to march from Keowee, SC to the site of Fort Loudon on the Tellico River in TN, the first British fort west of the Appalachians. He led 200 men who covered the 140 miles in 10 days on foot. He was followed by a pack train carrying twelve 300 lb. brass cannons. The community of Plum Orchard once had a school since all the schools at one time in Rabun had to be within walking distance of the students. Plum Orchard Creek rises to meet the Appalachian Trail at Plum Orchard Gap about one and a half miles north of its junction with Highway 76 at Dick's Creek Gap.
Mike Maffett