Near Selmer in McNairy County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
The Trail of Tears
Cherokee Removal
— 1838 —
Photographed By Curtis Wise
1. The Trail of Tears Marker
A group of approximately 660 Cherokees traveled through McNairy County in late fall of 1838. Also called Bell's Treaty Party, it was the only detachment to be accompanied by the military. Escorted by U.S. Army Lt. Edward Deas and Cherokee leader John Bell, the party followed the Old State Road to Purdy, where Deas purchased supplies on November 14, 1838. From Purdy to Bethel Springs to Rose Creek, the route closely followed present-day Highway 64. Their 89-day journey ended on January 7, 1839, just inside the Cherokee Nation's border, west of Evansville, Arkansas.
Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 4C 40.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Native Americans. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee Historical Commission, and the Trail of Tears series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1813.
Location. 35° 11.326′ N, 88° 36.804′ W. Marker is near Selmer, Tennessee, in McNairy County. Marker is at the intersection of Mississippi Valley Highway (U.S. 45) and Higginbottom Road, on the right when traveling south on Mississippi Valley Highway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Selmer TN 38375, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Peach Street Apartment (approx. 1.1 miles away);
this page online
Also see . . .
1. Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. National Park Service site detailing sites related to the trail across nine states. (Submitted on May 24, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
2. A Brief History on the Trail of Tears. The Indigenous Foundation website entry (Submitted on August 3, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By Craig Swain, March 16, 2009
2. The Trail of Tears Marker
Photographed By Curtis Wise, July 23, 2020
3. The Trail of Tears Marker
Photographed By Craig Swain, March 16, 2009
4. The Trail of Tears Marker
The overpass for US Highway 64, mentioned in the text, is just behind the marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 3, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 24, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 10,293 times since then and 143 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 23, 2020, by Curtis Wise of Jackson, Tennessee. 2. submitted on May 24, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 3. submitted on July 23, 2020, by Curtis Wise of Jackson, Tennessee. 4. submitted on May 24, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
