December marks the 10th anniversary of the moving and rededication of the Thomas Howard Monument, which honors local settlers and their leader Capt. Howard at the Battle of Round Mountain.  

In 1776, relations between the settlers and the Cherokee became more and more hostile. The Cherokee carried out several massacres of area settlers, who had sometimes moved across the dividing line onto Cherokee land. Because of the massacres, Capt. Howard led the settlers to Round Mountain where the Cherokee had gathered and drove them off.  

The first monument, erected near Round Mountain in 1909, had to be moved in 1977 to make room for I-26. The new location was in an isolated place, and the monument became vandalized. In 2007, the PCHA received permission to move it to Sterns Park. The third dedication of the monument was held in Stearns Park on Dec 1, 2007. Today, visitors can see the monument and one of the plaques from the sidewalk, or all the plaques and azaleas from the path in Stearns Park.

 Additional information about the Battle of Round Mountain, pictures, interesting displays and artifacts are waiting to be enjoyed at the PCHA Museum. The museum at 60 Walker St. in Columbus is open on Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Individual tours of the museum can be arranged.

– submitted by George Comparetto