The Bat Creek Stone: The Little Stone With a Big Story

Abstract

This paper tells the story of the Bat Creek Stone and its dynamic role in science, Cherokee history and culture, and the exercise of tribal sovereignty. Starting with a historical overview of the BAE archaeological dig on Bat Creek, the thesis analyzes each theory on the stone’s origins, with supporting archaeological, scientific, and historical evidence, and ends with a discussion of the Museum’s role in understanding the stone’ origin through further testing and exhibiting the stone. More than a simple chronology of an interesting and controversial object, this thesis, using the Bat Creek Stone, as a vehicle, analyzes such fundamental questions as to what is scientific proof, how does it relate to tribal histories, culture, and truths, and the means and processes by which tribes can reassert control over the telling of their own histories.