Cullowhee

… community in W central Jackson County on Tuckasegee River. Originally named Kullaughee Valley, an Indian word meaning "place of the lilies." Name changed to Painter, for the first postmaster, when a post office was est. there in 1883 (closed 1908). Renamed Cullowhee about 1900. Home of Western Carolina University, founded in 1889. Alt. 2,066.