The Oostanaula community began as a Cherokee village. The name Oostanaula is derived from the local river that flows through the area, meaning “rocky shoals” in Cherokee.

After enduring numerous battles fought in the area during the Civil War, the first post office was established in 1881, marking the official beginning of our community.

In 1902, the local school board established the Oostanaula School District and constructed a four-room brick schoolhouse with support from the community.

Over the years, that building expanded to accommodate additional grades, with the 12th grade being added in 1952. The final graduating class of the Oostanaula School was in 1966.