Trail of Tears

In 1838, the U.S. government, under President Andrew Jackson, enforced a controversial treaty to relocate Cherokee Indians to Indian Territory in the West. The long, arduous trip became known as the Trail of Tears. Forts were established in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Georgia to hold Cherokees prior to deportation. More than 3,000 Cherokees in North Carolina were held at Fort Butler, near present day Murphy. From there they traveled on the Unicoi Turnpike to Coker Creek, camping at Fort Armistead. After leaving Coker Creek they passed through Tellico Plains and followed the Conasauga Valley through Mecca, passing somewhere near present day Etowah and Englewood, and on to Athens. At Athens, they traveled south to Fort Cass, near present day Calhoun and Charleston to await deportation. From there they traveled to the Tennessee River, where they camped at Blythe's Ferry before leaving their homeland behind.