Trail of Tears Commemorative Park

This historic park is one of the few documented sites of actual trail and campsites used during the forced removal of the Cherokee people to "Indian Territory". It was used as an encampment in 1838 and 1839. This park is the burial site for two Cherokee Chiefs who died during the removal - Fly Smith and Whitepath. This long, cruel relocation has become known as the "Trail Of Tears" and by Native Americans as "The Trail Where They Cried". Every year on the first full weekend after Labor Day, the Trail Of Tears Commission sponsors an intertribal PowWow at the park. A PowWow is a gathering of Native American people to celebrate their rich heritage; to socialize with old friends and make new ones and an opportunity to expose non-indians to the centuries old tradition of the various dances and Native American crafts; and to educate the PowWow visitors with story telling and Indian lore demonstrations Children also enjoy visiting our PowWow.