New Echota was the capital of the Cherokee Nation for 13 years, from 1825 until 1838. The Cherokees had adopted a government similar to the US government and every year several hundred Cherokees would gather in town to settle tribal matters. During this time the Georgia state government was attempting to force all Cherokees living in the state to emigrate west. The discovery of gold in Georgia and Andrew Jackson’s presidential win doomed the tribe. A treaty, not approved by the Cherokee National Council, was signed in 1835 at New Echota and ratified by the US senate. This became the legal basis for rounding up all Cherokee in 1838 and forcing them to walk to Oklahoma, a journey known as the Trail of Tears.
The site has a visitor center with exhibits and a video. The only original building left on the grounds is the house of Samuel Worcester, a missionary who lived in the village. A tavern and a log farm house with outbuildings have been relocated to the village. Other buildings have been reconstructed on their original sites. A self guided walking tour wanders through the village.
The visitor center is accessible but the sidewalk to the entrance has a section with a very steep incline. The walking tour around the village is a combination of uneven, grassy ground and gravel road – difficult for visitors in wheelchairs. All of the buildings have steps and none have ramps.
A few long bus/RV spots are located at the far end of the parking lot. Park
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