A merica's most popular outdoor drama, "Unto These Hills", is the tragic and triumphant story of the Cherokee. Set against the backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountians, the drama is presented under the stars on three stages in our beautiful Mountianside Theater. Since opening on July 1, 1950, "Unto These Hills" has been seen by over five million people.
The compelling story opens with the arrival of the
Spanish explorer Hernando DeSoto in 1540, and builds to a stirring climax with the cruel removal of all but a remnant of Cherokee on the infamous "Trail of Tears."
This powerful drama recreates the inspiration of the great Sequoyah, the wise leadership of Junaluska, and the heartbreaking sacrifice of Tsali, who gave his life so a handful of people might remain on the land of their heritage.
Cherokee descendants, whose ancestors were forcefully driven out of the mountains and marched 1,200 miles to Oklahoma, play important roles in the drama and in the many dances, highlighted by the colorful and world-famous Eagle Dance.
