Explore the Trail of Tears: Historic Destinations Along the Route

The Trail of Tears spans more than 5,000 miles and stretches across parts of nine states, including Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Georgia, North Carolina, Illinois, Missouri, and Kentucky. Today, history buffs can visit many notable destinations along the Trail of Tears in Oklahoma, including these historic spots.

Red Clay State Park

This Tennessee state park is situated on the site of the Cherokee's last national governmental seat before the U.S. Army began enforcing the Indian Removal Act in 1838. Some historians argue this is where the Trail of Tears actually begins. It was on Red Clay Council Grounds that the Cherokees learned of the loss of their valleys, mountains, and streams. Today, visitors can learn more about local history at the park's James F. Corn Interpretive Facility, which features exhibits, artwork, and a theater.

New Echota Historic Site

Although some may point to Red Clay State Park as the spot where it all began, this historic site in Calhoun, Georgia, is considered the official beginning of the Trail of Tears. Visitors to New Echota Historic Site, once the capital of the Cherokee Nation's government, can explore the trails, visitor center with interpretive exhibits, and 12 buildings, including a court house, council house, and missionary Samuel Worcester's house.

Trail of Tears State Park

Situated in the southern part of the Ozark Hills in Illinois, Trail of Tears State Park is approximately 4 miles north of the area where Chickasaw, Cherokee, and Creek Nations spent the winter in makeshift camps. It's named after the trail to memorialize the event. Visitors to the state forest have 5,114 acres to explore, including hiking trails and areas for horseback riding, hunting, and camping.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Qualla Boundary is a Cherokee Reservation located at North Carolina's entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is where a small number of Cherokees living in western North Carolina received permission to stay before the Trail of Tears. The Oconaluftee Cherokees, as they're often called, considered themselves separate from the Cherokee Nation and remained in the area. The Eastern Band of Cherokees steadily grew to the current number of approximately 11,000 members.

Chief Vann House

This state historic site in Chatsworth, Georgia, was home to James Vann, a businessman and Cherokee leader who established one of the Cherokee Nation's wealthiest plantations. Unfortunately, the Vann family lost the home and moved west to Oklahoma, but visitors can tour the former Chief Vann House. It's one of the most well-preserved Cherokee homes in the state, and guided tours point out some of the remarkable features. Nearby trails lead to various spots around the 137-acre site.

Mantle Rock Nature Preserve

The 30-foot natural sandstone bridge that serves as the namesake for this preserve is the highlight of Mantle Rock Nature Preserve, but its place in history is what keeps history buffs returning year after year. It's one of the Trail of Tears' certified sites, and it marks the area in Kentucky where roughly 1,766 Cherokees spent the winter of 1838 to 1839 during their move west.

Mount Nebo State Park

There's plenty of outdoor recreation to enjoy at Arkansas' Mount Nebo State Park, but for history buffs, hiking the 2.5-mile Rim Trail is one of the main attractions. This trail offers some of the best views of the Arkansas River Valley and the Trail of Tears' water route.

Cadron Settlement Park

The Cadron Settlement in Conway, Arkansas, was a popular spot for Cherokees to stop as they made their way west. Today, visitors are treated to living history when they come to the park. Costumed members of local living history groups dress in period clothing and provide colorful insight as visitors walk through.
Mark Twain National Forest

As the Cherokees traveled west along the Trail of Tears, they used three land routes: the Northern, Hildebrand, and Benge Routes. All three of these land routes pass through Missouri's Mark Twain National Forest. The forest is also home to numerous recreational opportunities, including more than 750 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails; 350 miles of streams; and 35 different campgrounds.

Cherokee Heritage Center

This cultural center in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, features a permanent Trail of Tears exhibit that details the forced removal of Native Americans from their land to what was then called "Indian
Territory" in most of present-day Oklahoma. The exhibit spans six galleries and details everything from life before the Trail of Tears in Oklahoma to the aftermath and rebuilding of the Cherokee Nation.

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