This is a stop along the Trail of Tears, the route followed by the Cherokee who, in 1838, were forced to leave their homes and travel 800 miles to Oklahoma territory because white settlers wanted the land of their reservation.The seven panels of the memorial, which radiate out from a center point, are etched with the name of the head of household for each family. 9,000 people followed this route, camping at Blythe Ferry while waiting to cross the Tennessee River. 16,000 in all traveled to Oklahoma. A quarter of them died before reaching their new home.
In addition to the memorial the park has a history wall and a visitor center which is primarily to assist people who want to trace their ancestry or research Native American history but there are a few artifacts on display. A boardwalk trail leads to an overlook of the crossing site which is now under the water of the Chickamauga Reservoir.
Everything at the park is accessible.
The main parking lot has long RV/bus spaces. There’s enough room in the lot at the overlook trail for RVs to be parked. Park Trail of Tears - National Historic Trail
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