Cherokee Removal Memorial Park

Mission: To honor and remember the Cherokee Nation’s forced relocation during the 1838 Trail of Tears.

The Cherokee Removal Memorial Park, located at Blythe Ferry in Birchwood, Tennessee, serves as a site of remembrance for the Cherokee people who were forcibly relocated during the 1838 Trail of Tears. The park is dedicated to educating visitors about the historical context of the Cherokee removal and honoring those who suffered and died during this traumatic event.

Key features of the park include a memorial wall that lists the names of over 2,500 Cherokee heads of household, along with a historical exhibit that explains the Cherokee’s pre-removal culture, the impact of the Treaty of New Echota, and the harsh conditions they faced during the relocation. The site also highlights Blythe Ferry’s significance, where over 10,000 Cherokee and Creek people were transported across the Tennessee River en route to Indian Territory (now Oklahoma).

Additionally, the park includes walking trails, a visitor center with interpretative displays, and a genealogy library that allows visitors to explore their own Cherokee ancestry. It is part of the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail and provides opportunities for guided tours, making it a vital location for both historical education and honoring the resilience of the Cherokee Nation.