Prior to the English settlement of Chatsworth, Georgia, the area was home to the Cherokee Indians. The history of this indigenous tribe is displayed in many areas of the small town of Chatsworth, Georgia in Northwest Georgia. The Chief Vann House is a historical landmark that hosts crowds of visitors every year. Every year, children are introduced to history with field trips and classes regarding Cherokee history and the forceful removal of the natives from their own homes.
One thing the classes fail to teach is the Cherokee tales of the “moon-eyed people” of the Appalachian Mountains. According to the Cherokee tradition, the moon-eyed people inhabited the lower Appalachian area prior to the arrival of the Cherokee in the 1700s. They called these people moon-eyed because they could only see at night or at least had better eyesight at night. They are described as fair skinned, with blonde hair and blue eyes. According to the Cherokee, the moon-eyed people built the ancient structures in the area. The Cherokee are responsible for running them out of the area.
It is believed that these people were descendants of Madoc (or Madog) ab Owain Gwynedd, a Welsh prince who fled his homeland after the death of his father. His death started a civil war between the king’s seven sons and the survivor of this battle would take over as king. To avoid the battle, Madog fled with his brother Rhirid and is reported to have landed around Mobile, Alabama. This was centuries before Columbus sailed to the Americas. He later returned to his native country to gather others to settle in America with him, returning with 10 ships full of people. According to reports, after setting sail, there are no further reports indicating he was heard from again in Wales.
The moon-eyed people are attributed with building a stone temple with a giant snake inside that had ruby eyes. There is a wall that can be found on Fort Mountain that is also attributed to the moon-eyed people. Another wall, similar to the one on Fort Mountain, can be found near Desoto Falls, Alabama. The walls do not appear to be for defense, as they are too low and have no water source within. Archaeologists and historians believe the wall was used for ceremonial purposes.
Tennessee governor, John Sevier, wrote a letter in 1810 relaying information he received from Cherokee leader Oconostota regarding the moon-eyed people. Oconostota confirmed the moon-eyed people were Welsh.
The first evidence of Madoc’s travels to the Americas was published in a print around 1584. Welsh songs and stories also tell of his travels and date back to the twelfth century.
There are legends today of distant drum sounds, lights flickering and mysterious men wearing bearskin walking along the wall.
https://www.legendsofamerica.com/ga-fortmountain/