Cherokee Removal Memorial Park facts for kids

The Cherokee Removal Memorial Park is a special public park in Meigs County, Tennessee. It remembers the Cherokee people. They were forced to leave their homes long ago. This sad journey is known as the Trail of Tears. The park started in 2005 and has grown since then.

Where is the Park?

The Cherokee Removal Memorial Park sits by the Tennessee River. It is close to a place called Blythe Ferry. This ferry was very important. Many Cherokee people crossed the river here. They were moving west towards what is now Oklahoma. The main office for this forced move was at Fort Cass. That fort was in nearby Charleston.

What You Can See at the Park

This park is a team effort. Different groups work together to keep it going. These include the Meigs County government and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and the National Park Service (NPS) also help. Plus, there's a group called Friends of the Cherokee.

The park covers 29 acres (about 12 hectares). It is surrounded by the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge. This refuge is looked after by the TWRA.

Inside the Visitor Center

The park has a visitor center. It opened in May 2009. Inside, you can find an interpretive center. This is a place where you learn about the park's history. There is also a library and a room for presentations.

Outdoor Features

Outside, you can see a history wall. It tells the story of the Cherokee people. There is also a memorial wall. This wall lists the names of Cherokee people who were removed. On the ground, you'll find a map of the Trail of Tears. This map is carved into stone.

The park is an important stop on the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. It helps people understand this part of history.

Images for kids

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  Entrance sign at Blythe Ferry Cherokee Removal Park

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  Walkway map at Cherokee Removal Memorial Park depicting the route of the Cherokee on the Trail of Tears, June 2020