Jay and East Grand Lake

Situated within the Cherokee Nation’s boundaries, Jay is rich in Native American tradition with a reputation as a center of Native American activities.

The area was first settled by the Cherokees after their removal from their eastern homelands over the “Trail of Tears.” In April, the area’s annual Gigging Tournament celebrates the Cherokees tradition of “gigging” fish. The town holds its annual Huckleberry Festival in July and many summer nights find classic cars at Cruise Night. The Mariee Wallace Historical Museum houses interesting historical documents, and other artifacts chronicling the area’s history. Jay, the county seat of Delaware County, was named for Jay Washburn, the grandson of an early-day missionary. The principal industry is the raising and processing of chickens. Green beans and soybeans are raised throughout the area, as well as cattle. East of Jay is the Oak Hill Indian Center, where Cherokees weave blankets and other articles on hand looms.